Christina A. Sharik

MY RESPONSE
(For Anthony Pahl and Lou Klaiber)

My teardrops fall
on lettered keys

forgive me, Caliber,
if you please

Your words have struck
some chord in me

clearing a windowpane,
the easier to see

how much you all meant,
each to the other,

bringing to mind,
the meaning of “brother”

Birds of steel
and men of blood

Firing bullets
into dried red mud

Saving each other,
body and soul;

Lifting the spirit
and keeping us whole.

A response to the poem “The Gunship Dream (For Tony Pahl)” – Copyright June 23, 2005 by Lou J. Klaiber