About the Poem

Friendships are built on many things, but war and common danger can often forge a bond stronger than family and more lasting than romance. You are forcibly brought very close together, for long periods, at a time in your life when you are most inclined to be honest and open (because you fear there won't be another time). People who share these things either learn to hate each other, or become uncommon friends.

Unfortunately, those are also the friends you are most likely to suddenly lose ...

Ode To A Buddy

by Ron Carnell

Sitting in my foxhole,
With Charlie all around;
My head between my knees,
My asshole on the ground.

The sky is bursting red,
The air is stifling hot.
My eyes are filled with sweat;
My buddy has been shot.

He gave his life for mine.
‘Twas he who felt the pain.
He died for our country,
And he died not in vain.

For I'll go on fighting
Through the rest of this war;
And my country and my friend
Are what I'm fighting for.

My country for to last,
My friend for to honor;
For I'll go on fighting
Through the rest of this war.

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7 Visitor Comments

Kat

My best friend in the whole world died saving his "Joe's" while in Iraq. He was a hero and this poem make me think of him and how amazing he was. Thank you for writing it!

Jennifer

This poem was great and I really appreciated it. I am only 13 years old, so I do not know what it is like to be in war, to have your friend die right in front of you. I appreciated it greatly.

This is a fantastic poem. It really sums up what our armed forces is all about and makes me proud to say I'm American. Thank You

Tamara

I loved this peom it was from the heart! friendship is important keep it while it lasts

Rus'T

this poem is sooooo kool i read it ova and ova again and it still felt special

barb

this poem made me cry. you have my vote.thanks.

Sharyn

I thought that this poem was so profound.

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