It is hard to describe to the uninitiated
The unity and spirit that our Army has created.
For the Army is a family, where to serve is to belong,
Where bonds are everlasting and friendships made are strong.
For us to lose a mate is akin to losing family
And today I lost my brother - young Shannon McAliney.
I heard tonight of Shannon as the CO paced the floor;
It soon became apparent this was ground not trod before,
For all our previous patients had been black not white of skin,
My stomach felt uneasy and my calm was paper-thin.
I watched with trepidation as his stretcher hurried past
Hoping against hope that tonight was not his last;
The mere presence of the CO and the grey haired RSM
Turned me sickly cold, for these were very busy men.
I cannot describe the bitter feeling or the empty hollow pain
When I heard the long count start up, then quieten down again.
Angry and frustrated, my nerves felt tightly strung
At the death of Shannon McAliney, who died so very young.
You know, I never knew young Shannon, couldn't tell him from another,
Yet Shannon McAliney was and is my brother.