Charles Schwiderski

Awarded: May 27, 2005
UP THE RIDGELINE
Something made me think of you…
the pain of remembering… the tears
found their way
You were a wonderful man, officer
and friend
No one could foresee what would
happen that day
Those on the next ridgeline had
gunships firing support
Up the ridgeline and around they
went, up the ridgeline and around
Over and over
Rainforest ridgelines look all the
same… the pilot got confused they
say and strafed our ridgeline
You were hit… I saw you grab your
chest in pain
I ran to you and tried to help… and
put my ear to your lips to hear the
words you tried to speak
You grabbed my fatigue jacket as
you died
They had to pry your fingers loose
… they gripped so hard
They put you on a makeshift stretcher
… it fell apart as they tried to lift you
into the chopper
Your body fell to the ground that
terrible day as if you were trying to
stay in that bloody place
Be happy in the peace you found my
friend, and save me a place… maybe
one day I can find mine…
©Copyright May 26, 2005 by Charles Schwiderski