Lou J. Klaiber

AMERICANS AND ALLIES

They visited me today!

… young soldiers,
now
veterans, of war in Iraq.

… by phone,
and then here at home,
… hands upon mine,
… and tears in my eyes,
at home.

(Hello Old Soldier)

I listened to their story
of their war.

They asked me if anyone understands.

White
and Black
and Brown
they asked.

… and I told them
‘Follow Me!’

To America and Australia and hear the words of freedom
ringing.

(This is Christina!)

(This is Faye!)

(This is Tony… a Vet from OZ)

(This is Dani, from Pennsylvania)

This is Woody… our Radar Man)

(This is Me)

Faces of all races
beside each other
in wartime
silent
and far away.

I left the moment
and walked within
my thoughts
among the sundown trees.

I left them with your words.

They were quiet,
… and reading
when I returned.

… (they said)

“They are really good Cowboy!

Who are these people?

“Who are they?”

I said,

‘Dear Soldiers
They are the ones you are fighting for.

Each and every
one.’