December 22, 2008

A Soldier's Life

Phone rings, reality;
orders received.
ship out tomorrow
leaving for overseas
family watches
weeps, his departure due.
pictures,memories,
his only gear
stained from patriotic tears.
Frigid sandy nights
ordered to patrol
gun on shoulder
hopes he never has to use.
missiles streaked sky
gunshots abound.
patriotism bleeds out.