It seems like yesterday except, it is today.
A voice” Level one trauma, 10 patients.”
The smell of dust, exhaust and sweat,
   excitement and fear, controlled chaos,
   medics, mangled men, women, the innocent.
Arrive broken, mended, gone, arrive again.
   an inexhaustible stream; blood out, blood in.
Shredded uniforms, soiled bandages, a lost crucifix,
   syringes, a family photo, severed legs, and arms,
   plastic tubing, piled up, collected, discarded, burned.
Some familiar faces, mostly nameless faces,
   friends and enemies, loved ones and strangers,
   cities, towns, suburbs, villages, tent, and field.
Sadness and anger, pride and confidence,
   hopes and dreams, illusions and truth.
Beginning and ending, never ceasing.
I will rest soon, but not too soon.
   heading for my final rest,
   one day.