Itis not just the soldier who goes to war
Toboldly face the lost and lonely nights,
Wonderingwhat the next event might stir
Ina world where reality forestalls his precious light.
Father,mother, sister, brother, precious child
Cherishedlover all in one, all in tow
Hemuddles through the fallow furrowed trenches
Ofhis mind enrobed in murky hues of faded indigo.
Andhe and she and they who are forced to wait
Insilent proxy know his peerless pain,
Cryhis tears, feel the deepest fears that fills his night,
Thatend is near and he will never see his home again.
Amother weeps, a father keeps a stoic front
Thatfools no one – fools no one – no, not one.
Tear-stainedletters from a patient lover far away
Whosetender heart’s emotions are undone.
Theywill be with him every step of his travail
Asduty compels and he silently walks his keep.
Andfaith never falters, and hope knows no holiday
Forthose who wait…
Thosewho wait… and weep.