Sniper Poem by John F. McCullagh

The snow was blowing among the trees. In large wet flakes it tumbled down.
My captain turned, as if to speak, but from his lips there came no sound.
A red rose bloomed there on his chest -staining dark the Wehrmacht grey.
I looked in horror as he pitched face forward to the ground.
"Sniper" I yelled and ducked for cover. The copse of trees echoed the sound.

Somewhere out there he awaits; the Devil's son, the cunning foe.
He's stalked our party for three days yet leaves no footprints in the snow.
I served in France in Forty -one; before these Russians were our foes.
I shiver but it's not from fear; it's just that we lack winter clothes.
I motion briskly with my right hand, I think the shooter must be there
my corporal nods and starts to move; perhaps he can outflank this man.

My soul is black for I've done some things;
for which I once would have been ashamed.
I saw the Jewess try to shield her babe
as I placed them in a common grave.

This man out there, a warrior; he risks his life upon command.
He is clever, this one, he waits his chance.
Either its him or me that's dammed.
The drifting snowflakes hide his breath.
But He's still out there this I know.

My Captain lies still upon the earth
and is slowly covered by the snow.

We are soldiers who risk our lives.
We sacrifice for the Fatherland.
We dream of a woman and a warm bed
Never of Death's cold clammy hand

My men cry out, the fox is flushed
The sniper has at last been found.

It's true what they say of the bullet that kills you;
I never even heard the sound.