"Signing away four young years"

Signing away four young years to causes greater, he

Thinks only of this journey’s end, glory that will be.

Family, comfort he leaves behind with everything he knew

To face uncertain danger among the proud and few.

Debased in files of lowest rank, alchemy begins

By stripping youthful tenderness, soft heart, fragile skin.

Engaging in noble violence, nations to protect,

Turns mind from thoughts of home to images blood-specked.

A weapon they make of him, a killer with cold eyes.

What used to burn, drip with pain, now weaknesses disguise.

Hard against war’s carnage, he packs his soul away

Until this conflict be resolved or body in stillness lay.

Unexpected were the horrors, nor pain anticipated.

Honored soldiers ever haunted by nightmares never sated.

©T.Lynn Smith 2009

Familiar Strangers

Days pass, lives touch
Along stockade fencing.
Half-hearted waves, watching cars
Age, children growing taller
Come and go, yet knowing so little…

Doorbell taped over, knock… knock,

Out of milk, do you think,
Don’t mean to bother…
Of course, sweetheart, come on in.
You’re not, sweetheart; I know how it is.
Meant to pick some up,
Children tired, rushing, forgotten…
…remember when mine were young,
so long ago, days pass so quickly.
Hopeful coffee percolates. Do sit down.
Can’t now, empty regrets.
Really appreciate this,
Can pay, pick up, bring by…
No need, sweetheart, just glad you came.
Welcome anytime—

—conversations cut short by closed doors.

©T.Lynn Smith 2009