Have you ever had to weather a long night? I've had a few. They inspired me to write this poem about a young woman facing the loss of her husband on the battlefield.

The Storm

This steely door of night
Has imprisoned harsh emotions
Of fear, anger, and helplessness,
Into the bosom of the lonely woman.
For long, sleepless, dark hours,
Waves so strong had tried
To crush her soul to dust.

Why did this happen?
What did I do?
Why do things fall apart?
Whose fault was it?
Where did I go wrong?
What was I thinking?
Why did I trust?

Eyes too dry to cry
Open to squint at the sky.
Soft pink of dawn is
Prying night’s door away
From the distant, eastern horizon.
Wet beach reflects the change.
Toes wiggle with relief.

She had made it through the storm.
The night would not take her sanity.
A heavy weight now lifted from young shoulders.
It had been incredibly difficult
When the men had come to her door.
They were very sorry to inform her that
The love of her life would not be coming home.

Being a military wife
Meant to be strong no matter what.
She couldn’t fall apart.
She couldn’t end it all.
Two young daughters needed her.
Didn’t matter if her heart was broken.
She must carry on.

Another wave of emotions hit,
But the sting was far less.
The seagulls were crying off to the right.
Scanning for the sudden disturbance
Brought an incredible sight.
Three white stallions raced in the surf.
Sand shook as they drew near.

Puzzled, she stood up.
Turning as one, they came to her.
Slowing in greeting, they nickered.
Why are you here? she wondered.
Stunned beyond words, she knew.
Her love had sent her a sign from beyond
Just as he had promised. Just as he had promised.

They had shared a love of horses.
It was one of their passions.
One day they’d of retired to raise them for fun,
But that was not meant to be.
God had a different plan.
She thanked Him for this gift.
She thanked her love for thinking of her.

As if on cue, the moment was gone.
The horses’ playful race was on again.
Manes and tails flowed golden
In the rising sunlight. Beautiful to behold.
She named them from the Bible.
They were Faith, Hope and Charity
Because they had delivered Love to her.

2014 © Dawn L. Huffaker
All rights reserved.

This poem will be included in the new book The Phoenix Rises which will showcase the poetry of Maria Kontaxis and myself. If you would like to be notified when the book is available, please go to my website and sign the guestbook.