"Turn of the Gun"
by Anla Shok


It was only 2 years ago that the War began,
And flung us all into the fray.
It was only 12 moons ago that we found ourselves
So immersed that we only could stay.

For eternities the duel raged on,
And it seemed like it there'd never be peace.
A monotonous tango of life and death
Would restart just as soon at it'd cease.

But now we find ourselves at a turning point.
The War has intensified once again.
The guns still roar and mortars still soar,
But much has now changed, be wary my friend!

From here on, the lead flies at a much faster rate,
So be wary of their fiery sting.
They will slice through your heart like old rotting fruit,
Death is a present they much faster bring.

But our own legs now seems weighted to a pace
Of a noticeably slower degree.
Now running into the slaughter is hardly suggested.
To survive you must think tactically.

Regardless, the bodies still continue to pile,
And the image of loss is a stirring sight.
Some good men have left us, and shall never come back,
While other return at the new chance to fight.

So hold your gun steady, though harder it is,
And re-learn how to use that m203.
Adapt, young man, to the new tools to wield.
Silence is golden, this fact you will see.

We are still all mere humans, who kill one another,
Who still cry out in pain when life's taken away.
Despite all your new powers, keep mortality in mind.
Be on your guard soldier!  The end is far from today.