She’s well acquainted with the touch

of the tears that run down a window

pane as memories peer through, now

tapping to get her undivided attention.

She resides in a shell as the memories

drape her mind like a coffin – the realm

of what was once a beautiful mind, it

has de-accelerated into a listless state.

Sitting in the same chair where he left her

when he went off to fight in the Great War

She holds the telegram, “KILLEDINACTION

STOPWON’TBECOMINGBACKSTOPUSARMY.”

Motionless, except for the constant rubbing

on her wedding ring, she stares through the

glass; outside, U. S. soldiers from all wars file by

in unison one by deceased one – expressionless.

Sacrificed themselves for their country, but

what about their families?  They now walk

the beaten path to the afterlife – searching

along the way for any sign of a loved one.

The sound of their chains causes her to go

deeper into sorrow; the impatience of

waiting for the husband to pass-by pushes

her over the edge – a warm heart stops.

His gentle hand tries to wake her – it was

all an imprinted idea placed in the mind

But it’s too late; he places her on their bed

Kisses her softly and says goodbye my love.

Ó 2009 RLS