A few days ago I was on the bus, and next to me was a soldier who was called to serve in Gaza. We talked a bit, and he inspired me to write this poem. This is not a political statement, this is not a message about either side of this conflict. I just wanted to share what he made me feel. _____ The bus raced along the highway Distant buildings passed us like far away faces from another life The radio was on, but nobody heard News of the war Another battle, Another politician giving an inspiring speech, Another name. He sat besides me. Green uniform, Green eyes Short black beard That he tried to shave with shaking hands this morning. He gazed into the distance, as if he saw his destination. Maybe he’s been there before. Hes probably thinking of his family. The wife he left at home, the short hug they had How they watched the TV Dreading the letter, just wanting this thing to pass over them. How they cried when he opened the mailbox to see The message. Or maybe he thinks how his little child kept him up and now he has marks around his eyes. But now he’ll be kept up for other reasons. Maybe he’s just home-sick. He’s probably thinking about mom, and how he’d kill for a home-cooked meal and a kiss on the cheek. When he got off the bus I followed him with my stare, and saw him cry on his way to the military pick-up. Maybe he knew, that would be the last time he got off a bus.
Posted on: Wed, 30 Jul 2014 16:42:35 +0000