This victory was his to boast
I saw his strikes inflict the most
A better soldier--better mate
Than I could hope to ever rate
But him, the jaws of death did bite
Through sleep-like lids I'll hear this sight
As tiny rips of howling swords
My riddled friend hath clashed no more
But twitching eyes don't see despair
For now my eyes are shut to hear
And lips that quiver won't give out
A cry or cloud that sheds a doubt
And hands that press a sticky scar
My only token from the spar
Has fooled the foes to pass me by
But afterthoughts have left me dry
This guilt conceived beside my friend
Whose stiffness speaks his gallant end
But let them pass and spare this life
For active duty wields a knife
That hacked away a piece of me
But still I live for still I'll be
Lie doggo by my silent chum
And wait for shade of night to run
Though I shall live where he has died
I'll not regret my choice to hide
I'll live this life the fullest plus
For he was good for both of us