Iraq (War is Hell)

From my book of poems, "Panes of the Heart" (2009)

Damn I still remember

That gray day in December

When I was melancholy

Because you were leaving me.

It wasn’t your fault, but hell,

No one ought

To go through what we did

for a cause that doesn’t exist.

Why can’t I forget?

That solemn day of regret

When we were parted

Isis and I were broken-hearted.

Didn’t really know when I’d see

You again

I’d have to endure the liest

Delivered with a grin.

Wounded, injured and torn

The tenets of hell you have worn

I have seen them on your face

I have sworn on my soul to replace

Them with smiles and emotions of glee

If only to please you and me

And to guide us on the path

Of the uncertain aftermath.