I Am the Infidel

by Christopher Sharpe

I am the Infidel looking out into the night
I am the Infidel who’s waiting for the fight

Surprise, speed and violence of action
We clear through the compound focused, no distraction
The zip of rounds close to our heads
Wishing we were home asleep in our beds

Still, we move forward, with enemy in sight
Catching them in the open, like a rabbit in headlights
A squeeze of the trigger, once then twice
Follow him to the ground and finish him with thrice

Walking toward trouble
With a march at the double
No swords to be fixed they are not needed
Where the enemy lies dead the poppy will be seeded

I am the Infidel who’s watching over you
I am the Infidel who will destroy everything you find true

Christopher Sharpe
MMXVIII

Chris Sharpe spent over a decade in the British Army with the Rifles. Serving tours in Northern Ireland and Afghanistan, he now writes poetry about his experiences with conflict and the mental health challenges he’s faced since.