"Dear God"

He hugs us goodbye and kisses us on the forehead

Like that makes any difference

Like if he dies the simple act of his embrace will make us forget that he won’t ever come back

He slings his gun over his shoulder

He looks proud in his uniform

Why is he proud that he is leaving us?

Each night my younger sister crawls into bed with me 

She is going on four and she asks a lot of questions

I tell her to ask mama but she says I don’t sugar coat things

She asks me why she hears thunder when there’s no rain

I tell her it’s the boom of gunshots in the distance

Why are they fighting?

Because we don’t want slavery and they do

Will it be over soon?

I hope so 

Does he have to fight?

No

Then why does he fight?

I don’t know. I don’t know why he stays but every night I pray

Can I pray with you tonight?

Yes 

She says Dear God

She looks at me

You’re not saying anything

I look at her and with a tear I whisper 

Dear God