A Private Hell

My name is Joe and I am nineteen years old. My face was destroyed by a hand grenade and I cannot see. The Docs said they tried to save my legs but it still feels like they are there to me.

They say I'll never walk again, but that can't be... I'm only nineteen.

My buddies used to tease me, calling me G.I. Joe, but I'm just Joe and i'm only nineteen. I wish my buddies were here to tease me now, but the C.O. says they were not as lucky as me.

I wonder if they are the lucky ones; not me.

They say I'll be going home soon. I'm looking forward to seeing Mom and dad again-
but I'm blind now. I guess I still have my memories. I remember to well- I can still see John lying next to me in that foxhole. John was our sergeant and he said he would take care of me...

John is home now. He won't be seeing his mom and dad though- or anyone else ever again. He was twenty, just a year older than me.

I wish I could escape these damn memories...

I remember my last day at base camp... We had just returned from our patrol and I saw Li coming are way. He is a nine year old boy from the village nearby. He reminds me so much of my little brother Toby. He probably wants a chocolate bar.

As he gets closer, I see he has something for me. I wonder what it could be? He looks so scared...

It's so dark, why can't I see? I hear a woman's voice. She says she's a nurse and I'll be going home tomorrow.

I hear Mom's voice, but why is she crying? "Look Mom, they gave me a medal."
Why does she keep crying? Can't she see the medal that means so bloody much to me?

I hear Toby now. He says he has something for me... "No Toby! Run!! Don't die again! Please...."

My name is Joe. I'm only nineteen... How could this happen to me?