War Poetry: Friendly Fire

U.S. Marines conduct a controlled fuel burn drill at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, on July 31, 2019. (DoD photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Neuenhoff)

Friendly Fire

Do you really think Anyone cares That the fire that burns ... is friendly? Hearts and body parts Pieces of promises Are all being blown away I need you to see The power you have over me I know you didn’t mean to But the outcome’s just the same You lean over me And cry from the truth You’ve done it once again Searing, Burning Pain I can’t control Someone save me You didn’t mean to do ... You didn’t mean to say ... The words that shot like fire Through my soul today Hearts and body parts Pieces of promises Are all being blown away I need you to see The power you have over me I know you didn’t mean to But the outcome’s just the same You lean over me And cry from the truth You’ve done it once again Kneeling in blood like a child with toys You cry-out to God above Breathe, Get up, you scream through your pain I think I’ve killed my love

For 43 years, Diana Nickell and her husband Dennis shared their lives, passion and hearts. Dennis was a Vietnam Combat veteran who dealt daily with the aftermath of his 14 months in Vietnam, spending his later years reaching out to veterans and their loved ones, and trying to help share why they should never give up. On Sept. 12, 2021, Dennis joined his brothers in arms in heaven, who never had the chance to have the life he fought for daily. His wife Diana still carries on the mission of educating, enlightening, and encouraging those who have paid such a heavy price for freedom.

This poem first appeared in The Havok Journal.

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