Her first step,

Tell the family: grieve

Over the news.

Next: leave the comfort of her home.



She loads up her gear,

Onto a cargo plane.

Surrounded by hundreds of people.

Sad Faces, brought back the tears.



The strong woman she is,

She choked back the emotion.

She put the fear aside.

She began her journey.



Fate unknown.

Anxiety overwhelmed her.

Depression consumed her.

Anger filled her mind.



She didn’t let it stop her.

Her mission was much too important.

She steps off the plane,

Thrown into a tent in Kabul, Afghanistan.



Shuttled to another plane,

Kabul to Bagram.

Grief overcoming her.

She knows nothing of tomorrow.



Forever away from home,

She yearns to feel

The touch of her children.

Wishes to hear their voices.



Dressed in full uniform,

Weapon and all.

Finally in her place,

Tears would soon fall.



Soon, depression faded.

Anger and rage

Taking its place.

Off to bed, a permanent frown on her face.



She places her combat boots beside her bed.

Helmet next to her.

Gun in hand.

Finally to sleep, not so safe and sound.