I remember that now

Stoic against an assaultive universe

Brave boy goes to war

Wipes the smile off his face

Part of a massive navy

'With each man on his own

'His wife & daughter

'Safe on the U.S. shore

'His hospital ship festooned with wounded men

A few medics to ease the pain

Off to the party

When the hostilities ceased

A mushroom cloud for memories

Nightmares for the deceased

A lifetime of running

From the reality of pain

Which to a child seen self-inflicted

As if out of disdain

For life, & mouth & the future

Upon which all children rely

Else, what & the purpose

And Mom says "open your eyes"

And then you realize

If was because of her kiss

A hug of tenderness

A life of gratitude

For support and generosity

Above the water front

Where the sailboats bob & weave

There is a sense of comfort

As you look out to sea

And see that it never ends.