I saw an enemy soldier smoking

I saw an enemy soldier smoking
a long cigar and the flaming match
lit up the sight
and the glowing red
draw my aim

and the shell soundless fell
under the tree
and stars were in a black night
glowing as if knowing
where the angel of death
would visit next

and I used a branch as a gun rest
took another magazine
from the webbing on my chest
and clipped it on to the rifle.

A soft breeze started blowing
and I adjusted the sight
searching through the dark night
for movement or anything
that gave away the location
of the next enemy soldier.

poem by Gert Strydom
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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