Huddled in the darkness
Illumination overheard gone
A slight chill creeps up my spine
As the fighting comes to an abrupt halt

An eerie silence fills the air
Stinging sweat drips into my eyes
As I gaze out into the darkened night
Gripping my weapon of choice for dear life

The scent of burnt soil
Expended rounds and blood
Creep into my nostrils raising senses
Drying the little spit I have in my throat

I peek out under my helmet
Searching for movement before
I shove out and move to the next spot
Burying myself under over to conceal me

I scan the surroundings again
Watching shadows creeping around
Corners in the distance, invading enemy
This is surely a target rich environment for me

I radio in for some illumination
Pulsing light fills the skies around me
Casting shadows on the walls of the village
Of enemy creeping around for better positions

I take aim with my weapon
Dispatching each target with silence
Watching each crumple in the distance
A small price to pay for chipping away my soul

With the added light
Hell breaks loose before me
And my fellow soldiers scream
For someone to save them, anyone who can hear

I can’t move to help them
My mission is of top priority
Without success more of my brothers
Will be slaughtered and all will be for nothing

The light fades into the distance
I lay perfectly still under my cover
As an insurgent passes by my side
Creeping slowly, unaware of his impending death

I slide quietly from my spot
Approaching the man from behind
While sliding my knife from its sheath
And plunge it into his chest, covering his mouth

Just another day at the office
There will be no coffee breaks
And the only smoking will come
From the end of my barrel at the end of the day