He was just standin there,
didn't know enough to hide.
I'm just like him, I'm thinkin;
just on the other side.
Saw him as clear as I see you.
That's how damn close I was!
I thought, what happens now
depends on what he does.
Damn, he's as young as me!
... can't be one day more,
and here we are both stuck
in this stinkin hellish war!
Hey kraut, I just kept thinkin,
“There's still time to get away.
You could have a good long life
… unless you turn my way.”
He coulda been my friend
in a different place and time.
But now the awful truth is;
it's his life ... or mine.
He was just gazin at the sunset,
drinkin all God's beauty in,
all lifted up and glowin
like a pretty church-book hymn.
Dear Jesus, what's he doin'
standin there like that so calm?
Can't he hear them big tanks movin
and the blasts of them big bombs?
You ain't on no vacation
in these green eye-talian hills.
You're an enemy German soldier
who I damn well swore to kill.
Man, can't you feel me here
just a stone throw to your right?
I'm lyin in this soft green grass
and I have you in my sites!
I've just had too much of killin
and don't wanta do one more.
So show your back and go
or I must add you to my score.
Do somethin and do it now.
Turn left and walk them feet away
cause I'll sure as hell shoot you
if you choose to look my way!
No! Stop! Turn left, not right
or you're gonna find me here!
Man, don't point that thing at me
... our lives are much too dear.
Copyright 2007 Robert D. McKinley
All rights reserved