A World Apart

Dedicated to my friend and teacher CWO Ronald C. McKown.

Water laps at fins
jungle looms ahead
the memory begins.

Soldiers and SEALs fighting to survive
floating in the sea
it's pleasure now, living just to dive.

Visions flashing faster -- slip beneath a wave
brilliant colors
always he's the hero -- now just himself to save.

The battle chaotic, perhaps they pushed too far
clown fish
Bronze Star

Survival more than skill, extending into art
drifting down, hermit crab
Purple Heart

He saw their faces frozen in a flash
looking left, staghorn coral
now just medals on a sash

A grenade fell close, was it all a loss?
drifting down, red cup sponge
Distinguished Service Cross

Fifty years ago, they died to be free
ascending, into light above
oh say, can you see?