WAR WIFE

Wearing a scarf of melancholia, she pushes the curtains aside.
Soft caress of moon-glow gilds her features.
Eyes gaze at the orb of gold.
From deep within, a quiver of arrows burning with questions stirs,
Fires its projectiles, one by one, to its cratered surface.

Memories begin to stir sugar-laden moments
in the honey pot of her mind.
White-laced roses bloom, dance around her, as radiant faced,
She walks expectantly to the side of her military man.

Promises gently fall from lips.
Shimmering yellow-winged butterflies of hopes and dreams
Flutter toward the dawning horizon of their newly-entwined lives.
Screen of her mind dims.

A letter, like an enemy bullet, arrived a few months later,
Shattering serenity into fragments of unhappiness.
He packed his bags and went, to liberate the Afghans,
Defend the freedom of the world.
Conflict parted them with pickets of separation.

She pauses, sighs. Fingers pull draw-cord.

©Copyright March 4, 2004 by Kathy Abrahams

Commended in Mandurah-Murray Literary Competition, 2004