Scarecrow Like Images!

The elite army unit cautiously entered the ruined town

after days of bombardment

followed by small arms fire being wary of snipers

now had to try and make it safe

also with the risk of hidden bombs trod carefully

and ever-present insurgency!

 

From the moment they were in the destruction sector

tension overwhelmed them

from windows and doorways there they all stood

staring but when approached

these scarecrow like images were never there

of anything living was bare!

 

Each step further within the centre was a torment

feeling enclosed with death

acrid smoke replaced the air in their choking lungs

getting harder to breathe

stumbling on seeing the dark scarecrows waiting

as if the soldiers baiting!

 

From the corner of their eyes shapes made them turn

and fire erratically at nothing

they longed for this ground search to be concluded

as the emotions were unfamiliar

deep thoughts ravaged their minds making them pound

no rest here would be found!

 

This fear not only for the dead but the restless souls

as if all those who they had killed

were back to claim their lives sending them to purgatory

they had split into two groups

reunited in the square satisfied all was clear until a thud

then saw the patch of blood!

 

Diving for cover for one too late passed through his heart

even more figures congregated

the sniper spotted by a small piece of falling masonry

quickly taken out now had to leave

retreating along the same route without more men lost

knowing a line was crossed!

 

Every step being pursued by the scarecrow phantoms

even at the retrieval point

now ringed into a tight formation back to back stood

as more surrounded them

thinking they were doomed heard the chopper drone

to rescue them from the unknown!

 

The dust swirled as it descended then touched down

scrambling towards their escape

survivors and dead mate fatigued ran at the shapes

evaporating as they charged through

left traumatized reached the craft and jumped on

from here had to be gone!

 

Rising up high saw the scarecrows massing staring up

relief made the tears fall

cheering loudly had safely left the horror far behind

it was short lived as by the door

from nowhere arose what taunted them on the ground

even in the air the soldiers found!

 

Back at headquarters realised the mission a failure!

 

The Foureyed Poet.

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