We were pinned down by the gun fire
In that scorching desert heat,
Outnumbered by the enemy
Yet we swore we'd not retreat,
We were cut off from our unit
But we held that line alone,
Until a sniper's bullet
Felled my friend just like a stone.
I held him in my arms
As he lay dying in the sand,
I cradled him against my chest
And held his bloody hand,
His frightened stare shall haunt me
Till I join him in the grave,
I tried my best to help him
Yet his life I could not save.
He breathed his last then closed his eyes
And as he slipped away,
I knew I'd lost my greatest friend
Upon that wretched day,
He'd fought with me until the last
With honour and with pride,
Both comrades on the battlefield
And brothers side by side.
ANDREW BLAKEMORE
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/brothers-side-by-side-a-soldier-s-tale/
