Soldier

Our eyes connect for an instant. I can see your soul. It's full of fear. Mine is no different, but you know this fact. I offer a smirk as a false reassurance that everything is going to be okay, but you can see through me; nonetheless you give it back.

I inhale what could possibly be my last breath. We've reached the battle field. The Valley of Dry Bones. It's filled with fallen soldiers. I head East while you head West.

I see the enemies advancing toward you. They are coming for you. They gather around you like a blanket of stars. My fear turns into courage. I begin to run. I'm running in the night to you.

I run in the night to get you.

I encountered obstacles, but somehow  overcame them.  I passed through our enemies some who were swift in their skills, some who planned traps so I could fall, some who were astute, but I didn't let them stop me. I kept running. I kept running to get to you.

Did I come too late, my friend? Am I too late?

Your face is downcast. I look into your eyes. Cold. I tap your shoulder but you pull away. I insist but you resist.  I tried to carry you over my shoulder like a trained soldier, but you refused my help. You became part of this valley. You became nothing but dry bones.