Waking up before the rooster’s call
Tiptoeing through the long and dark hall.

Pulling on the heavy army jacket,
Lacing the boots through every bracket.

Reporting to the military base
Quietly standing there recalling the child’s face.

Men standing row upon row
Not wanting to, but knowing he has to go.

Little boys and girls waving flags
The man in fatigues hoisting his bags.

Months have gone by with just a single letter
The news from his wife pushing him to do better.

Going out in the desert to fight
And hopefully escape the bullets bite.

A year has gone by with a picture of his children’s faces
Steering him safely towards military bases.

The last day in the desert with no rain
Sitting and waiting for the plane

First step on the shadowed porch
Turning the brass knob like handling a hot torch

Stepping into the dark and empty hall
From the backyard comes laughter and a fall

When the children saw the golden light
They jumped and squealed with delight

The man in fatigues prepared for final attack
Knowing that love and joy were welcoming him back