My brother,
Sergeant Michael J. Barber,
is in the U.S. Army.
Deployed to Afghanistan
many years ago
leaving behind his family.
We watched him fly away,
towards the deserts,
and sounds of explosives.
He made phone calls,
he sent letters,
we sent packages; with cookies.
Once- I received a letter,
containing a waterproof notecard,
I thought it was magic.
While gone,
I remembered him,
Our memories were important.
Pillow fights,
and cuddling on the couch
kept me happy.
We prayed for your safety,
a safe time there,
and a safe return.
Several months later,
you returned home-
completely unharmed.
You had a mark on your arm,
said you were shot-
it was a cigarette burn.
We still missed you
after you returned,
because we love you.
I love you,
Sergeant Michael J. Barber,
and I’ll salute to you.
Thanks for keeping
this country safe-
thank you for being a veteran.