A pinprick of light appears
in the blackness of unconsciousness
a sign of exit from the dark
then the light hits me
as I finally open my eyes
A tall white candle burns by my bed
releasing its hidden fragrance
I am greatly weakened
because of shot wounds I received
now all wrapped in white cloth
An aging man appears with a tray
he comes over to the bed
I don’t need his explanation
I know what happened that day
my friends are dead
and I am unable to help them
The man gives his story
it isn’t what I thought
one of my friends survived
but with serious shot wounds
the battle was won by us
and the same time was lost by all
the enemy was beaten at last
but with too many casualties
He says I must rest for a week
as I still need to recover
I’ll rest for the week and more
to regain my lost strength
I look at the candle by my bed
I will not be put out so easily
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