We were pinned down by the gun fire <br />In that scorching desert heat, <br />Outnumbered by the enemy <br />Yet we swore we'd not retreat, <br />We were cut off from our unit <br />But we held that line alone, <br />Until a sniper's bullet <br />Felled my friend just like a stone. <br /> <br />I held him in my arms <br />As he lay dying in the sand, <br />I cradled him against my chest <br />And held his bloody hand, <br />His frightened stare shall haunt me <br />Till I join him in the grave, <br />I tried my best to help him <br />Yet his life I could not save. <br /> <br />He breathed his last then closed his eyes <br />And as he slipped away, <br />I knew I'd lost my greatest friend <br />Upon that wretched day, <br />He'd fought with me until the last <br />With honour and with pride, <br />Both comrades on the battlefield <br />And brothers side by side.<br /><br />ANDREW BLAKEMORE<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/brothers-side-by-side-a-soldier-s-tale/
