A Picture on the pillow

A Picture on the pillow lying there for me to see

once holding your tired head, brushing next to me

Each night I tuck myself to sleep and tell you a good night

Touching framed sweet picture, your lips to kiss each night

Sometimes I hear your whispers, sometimes you touch my cheek

I know you are around me, your boots I hear them creep

You watch me do the dishes, you are in the car

Although I do not see you, your love's felt from afar

You fought for our grandchildren; you were there for others too

Our freedom to enjoy, so fear did not ensue

You saw so many horrors, but you made it out alive

With hopes for a bright future, right along my side

But then the cancer got you, Agent Orange it was said

It ate away your body, while the drugs played with your head

You’d hold my hand and tell me, see them fighting there

Up into the corner, how piercingly you stared

I told you it was nothing, but you did not believe

You saw the soldiers fighting, a horrid memory

But soon you slipped to coma, no utter word again

Tears coursing my face slowly, sadness walking in

For will they all remember, what you did fight for

How you gave your life, badge of honor that you wore

They handed me the flag, symbol for me to keep

Standing at attention, with sorrow I did weep

Carolee Dennis-Woosley

May 28, 2012