Sniper's Promise

Sniper's Promise
 The night was icy cold I stood along
 I was waiting for an army foot patrol
 And when at last they came into my sight
 I squeezed the trigger of my armalite
 Oh mama, oh mama comfort me
 For I know these awful things have got to be
 But when the war for freedom has been won
 I promise you I'll put away my gun.
 A shot rang out, I heard a soldier cry
 "Oh please don't leave me here alone to die"
 I realized his patrol had run away
 And left their wounded comrade for me to slay.
 Oh mama, oh mama comfort me
 For I know these awful things have got to be
 But when the war for freedom has been won
 I promise you I'll put away my gun.
 "There's nothing in this world I would not do
 If there's mercy in your heart you'll let me live"
 And in his eyes I saw a look of pain
 As the mussel of my gun moved towards his brain.
 Oh mama, oh mama comfort me
 For I know these awful things have got to be
 But when the war for freedom has been won
 I promise you I'll put away my gun.
 The dawn was breaking as I reached my base
 I will not forget the look on that boy's face
 Fear, agony, and torment where all there
 Oh but to your memory, mother, his life I spared.
 Oh mama, oh mama comfort me
 For I know these awful things have got to be
 But when the war for freedom has been won
 I promise you I'll put away my gun