They stood in the rain
On a soggy spring day
Saying goodbye
As loved ones,
Husbands, wives,
Sons and daughters,
Departed for
The arid Middle East.
Tiny hands
Waved tiny flags
As they watched
Uncomprehending
The parade
Of camouflage
Boarding the buses,
Not understanding
The dangers
That lay before
Their father or mother,
Only recognizing
That tears were falling
All around them,
Mingling with the rain
And belied
By brave smiles
On every face.
Would they all return?
The common question
Remained unasked
Though every heart ached
To know.