The Cyborg

An IED eviscerates the truck.
First feel the shock, then whump, then night-black flash,
the road-dirt patters on the hood, I suck
in sand, and cracks cascade the window glass.
I grip my side, my leg, feel wet and fear.
Outside long shadows huddle, gunfire thrums,
“Stay down!” and “Light those fuckers up!” I hear
the tug-a-tug of guns, like taps on drums.

“He’s lost his legs, an arm, an eye, and sir...”
I garble “...that I have one life to give...”
The surgeon and the officer confer
and he says, “Son... just say you want to live.
The tech to make you better does exist,
and all you have to do is re-enlist.”

J. Davidson Hero is a bibliophile, computer programmer, an award-winning indie film maker, and most importantly, a husband and father.

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