Lonely Sniper (poem) by David J Delaney on AuthorsDen

Lonely Sniper
by David J Delaney → (All Poetry by David J Delaney)
Rated "G" by the Author.

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I tried to cover 3 different scenes here, 1, an abused child. 2, an elite soldier, 3. to welcome death from a different point of view.
Lonely Sniper As a child and growing in his youth, he was always alone Through his teens, towards him no love was ever shown An evil alcoholic mother, she really didn’t give a damn Father left when he was born, disappearing to some foreign land. Fleeing his abuse to a rocky site high above the valley Befriending an old Asian lady he simply calls Sally Told him of her man and boys, roaming with the winds of ghosts Soon the winds of time came and joining them, her free spirit floats Finally leaving home, tired of being bashed by strange men Short years have past, he’s still glad to be rid of them Now under a bridge, laying on his roll by the fire’s glow What should he do with his life, which way he should go. He always followed the winds of time, them leading the way Whether chopping wood in a forest or fishing in the bay Though something was always missing, something deep within The wind spirits would show him, yes, they’ll give their blessing A chilly breeze blows, brushing the side of his face Again feeling lonely, missing Sally and their secret place Blown from the grass, a newspaper page stops at his feet Reading this old print, noticing a soldier, straight and neat. Tossing and turning, on this long and chilly night Knowing in the morning, he would sign up for the fight Sign he did, not with the others but in a separate course Passing with honours, proud to be part of this elite force Through his training, shunned, having no friends, not one Spending hours alone practicing drill or just cleaning his gun Transferred to another unit, taught the art of hiding himself Enjoying this niche of the force, not working with anyone else Awake in his bunk, thinking of the tormented life he left behind Tomorrow to be dropped in the jungle, beyond the enemy line Remembering that night at the bridge, the breeze blowing around Like an omen, the chilly wind taking him to where he is bound. He feels he is being carried by the winds of time Carrying him to ghosts past, singing their chilling rhyme See himself being lifted, his body floating in the air Waking with fright, now for his mission he starts to prepare. By a large tree he buries his pack and parachute Covering with leaves after tapping down soil with his boot Settling on a high branch, a chameleon with eyes of a viper In the darkness again feeling alone this highly trained sniper Morning sun behind him, ready, special rifle, silencer and scope His target appears, soldiers reaching the top of the slope Steely eyes are fixed, zeroed in on the general tyrant killer A silent “doof”, the murderous leader tumbles toward the river. Soldiers that are left, start firing wildly into any tree For a moment he lines up and shoots another three Stopping for a second a familiar breeze blows across his face A bullet piercing his chest, he slowly falls from his hiding place. Lying on the ground his lifeless body cold and again alone His dying thoughts are with the wind, he wants to roam The breeze blows across his body taking his soul into the air Joining ghostly spirits, now free to travel anywhere. Sally said “Shouldn’t be afraid to meet the ghosts at the end of life” Only your body is buried never to suffer any more strife The spirit is free, floating high, carried like a never-ending tide Joining loved ones, travelling the universe so vast, so wide. David J Delaney ©

Reviewed by Kathleen McDonald

Reviewed on October 22, 2008

An awesome work David. A pleasure to read your work. How many abused children end up joining the service to "get away" from their parents and their sad life.
hugs
Kathy Lynn

Reviewed by Christine Alwin

Reviewed on September 27, 2008

David, You had me captivated from your first word to your last,,, what a moving story,, hearfelt indeed!
Christine

Reviewed by John Flanagan

Reviewed on September 25, 2008

David, a strong well-rounded story told in great and significant detail.
John

Reviewed by Sandy Shepard

The emotions are very strong in this. You truly have a wonderful gift with words.

Reviewed by Karen Palumbo

My goodness but this profound write just takes my breath away as there are so many who can relate on one level or another. All the emotions, dreams, hopes flow evenly throughout as one comes full circle with the delicate dance of life and death....

Be always safe,
Karen

Reviewed by Regis Auffray

The spirit is free, floating high, carried like a never-ending tide
Joining loved ones, travelling the universe so vast, so wide.

Full circle of a life; thank you for sharing his story, David. Love and peace to you,

Regis

Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader)

Interestingly done, my friend . . . You certainly grabbed my attention early on with the Asian lady, knowing she was have to come into play at a later date . . . She did . . . The poem revolved into a complete arc . . . Lovely write . . .

Reviewed by Bonnie May

Great story poem done with talent and creativity. These are the best ones when it comes out so easily and flows the same way. Best regards, Bonnie

Reviewed by Chantilly Lace (Reader)

Enjoyed very much..well done indeed...be well and safe ...Hugss

Reviewed by Stuart McCallum

Reviewed on September 24, 2008

Hi Dave,

You have merged the scenes wonderfully.....leaving the reader thinking and enjoying your work. This shows your true talent as a poet and indeed great story teller.
Always enjoy your work mate.
Happiness always, Stuart

Reviewed by Darryn Murphy

I like it thanks for sharing