This is one of the most read poems ever here at the Pub and it was a runaway winner in this competition.

Congratulations Assouda.

A Soldier's Last Memory

with her head in his lap, a snap and a clap, she's singing him an old folk song

with his head stuck on the wire, a boom and silence - he prays to be strong

the gentle caress of a breeze, her lilac handkerchief breaks free - she laughs - he chuckles at her

the wire stings, he's writhing to be free - a bullet - he doubles over

she's the perfect picture of peace, calm and serene - their feet intertwine under the blanket

his vision is blurry, but this memory of hers is burned in his eyes - he slowly reaches into his pocket

her laughter is the melody to his life's song - such are her stories they shouldn't go unsung

he's holding her hand under the starry night - her love-filled eyes and glass full of wine - perfection

everything is collapsing in - the '77 Camaro comes out of nowhere - and just like that she's gone

his tears mixed with the blood - a barrage of bullets in his back - and just like that, he's gone.