Army Poem #09: Old Photograph

In the field, on my knees, in a photo
She looked at me on my tiredest day,
And it washed a tearful levy in me
Penned up for so long under my own delay.

She’s in our house, sitting at a table
Reaching into her purse for unseen keys
Peeking at me in a devilish smile,
Surprised at the flash, though sassily pleased.

And I recall, from a leap, in the air
She ran toward me as if to pretend
Chagrin, catching me, toppling us into
The true love, affirming my life again.

On my weapon, on my knees, on dusty pants,
She silently encourages today
Along the trembling course it has adhered,
Promising that soon, I’ll be home to stay.

#