War Lament
I force myself to read
Your names, your ages,
Your hometowns.
Like your bodies and minds,
My heart is torn,
Tattered and bleeding,
By the reality
Of your nightmare.
You serve and fight
Duty-bound but unwanted
In their hometowns.
You build thick walls
Around your hearts
Out of desperation
To save your former selves.
I want to be the Love that
Conquers fear,
Soothes your wounds, and
Embraces you in peace and light.
I want you to know
That you are not forgotten,
That we finally understand.