Pep Talk

The soldier crouched in a sand pit waiting
at almost ten past eleven.
A fellow skinhead joins the dug out
says he’s sick of it and rests upon his AK-47.
Twitching with every racket rumble.
“I went blind today, I just went blind,
I could hear Sarge screaming and I just couldn’t find
anyone to help me I thought I would wind up dead!”
The soldier’s huffs upon a cigarette.
“Another IED got a kid today, is that the way it is? I can’t stay here, I can’t do this?”
The superior cocks his head and heaves a sigh.
“Look kid, I know its tough but you gotta be ready to die…” 
He flicks his butt and  turns his attention to the deserted horizon, waiting for noise.
A scorpion scuttle’s along the edge of the sand pit approaching the young soldiers
shoulder.
Sting poised.
A sudden noise nearby explodes and the army men jump and crouch. AK-47 ready,
hand’s not quite steady but waiting. All in a day’s work in Helmand province...