May 22nd 2005

May 22nd 2005
(Mike Wheatley)

May 22nd of 2005, earlier in the day you were still alive. 
We were running missions, having laughs that whole night.
Getting our trucks stuck, MAN what a good time.
Laughing and joking, poking fun at each other, you and I were like teenage brothers.
Your mom jokes were said between both of us, laughter rang out as we laughed at the joke.
You and I were best friends, we shared our trust.
I never thought I’d see you hurt, I remember the blood gush.
You were scared for your life, I don’t blame you one bit.
You were laying there on the floor bleeding, injured after you were hit.
I will never understand your pain, not for one bit.
But you held your own the whole time you were hurt.
You have always been a strong person, since the day of your birth.
I can remember the humor that we both shared that day, 
as you continued to bleed out, and started to slip away. 
You look as if you found some peace, just waiting the time for your release.
I didn’t want you to leave; your time was too soon.
But as you began to slip away, somewhere a flower did bloom.
Because of your great sacrifice, God granted me a continued life.
It should have been me that day; he would have taken my life, 
something made you trade my spot; don’t think for a second that I have forgot.
Your life was taken because we trade spots.
I lived for six years blaming myself for you loss, I couldn’t stop the bleeding and the blood loss.
I couldn’t apply pressure to the injured spot, I did what I could, the best treatment you got.
I remember your last words and I have never forgot,
what you said to me that day hit in a soft spot.
My heart felt like it was being torn from my chest, the Army and your family just lost one of its best.
You were taken from a war zone and laid to rest.
I never got to say goodbye, and the last thing I said to you was a lie.
I told you everything was going to be okay, that was the only thing I could say,
I never thought there would be a day, when your brothers in arms would have to say goodbye.
Goodbye my friend it was an honor to have known you. 
I know that our friendship was true, I am sorry that I couldn’t have saved you.
You will always live in the back of my mind; it took a long time, but some peace I did find.
You will be missed every second of every day, I love you bro I think of you every day.
I think I’ve finally came to a place where I can finally look back and say 
Goodbye.