Eileen Breedlove

UNAWARE

He’s gone from throwing footballs
And pranks at the Homecoming dance
To dropping bombs on the Taliban
With the task of our world’s defense.

He’s gone from waking up at home
After late nights at the hamburger stand
To days that last forty-eight hours
As they fight on a foreign land.

He’s gone from avoiding Dad at night
Because of the scratch put on the new car
To praying he will see Dad again
And the strength to survive the war.

He’s gone from kissing his Mother’s cheek
And holding his true love tight
To horror and visions embedded deep
As his Brother lays down his life.

He left as a child in many ways
Even though he thought he was grown
Unaware of the sacrifice he made
On the day that he left home.

Unaware He would be changed forever
Leaving behind the life He knew
Lord, give Him mental and physical strength
For this task that He must do.

Amen

Author’s Note: In less than two minutes after sending out this poem it was called to my attention that there are girls/women fighting in the war also. Let it be known that I know and in no way leave the female gender out of my writings or thoughts. After all, my daughter served eight years in the Armed Forces and faced not one but two wars. It’s just that when writing poetry sometimes the word “they” doesn’t flow like I would like for it to. So please Tony, when you post this poem to the IWVPA site make a note that I certainly am not leaving ANYONE out of my thoughts and prayers!!