Michelle Slichter

THE YELLOW RIBBON, RETURNED

At last my love,
You’re by my side

Upon the plane,
I dreamed you’d ride

Its wings they lead,
From lands so poor

Where men did die,
In acts of war

The yellow ribbon
That I had placed

Around your neck,
That touched your face

Now holds tears,
And stories untold

Its silky threads,
Forever will hold

In times of darkness,
And of fear

You held this ribbon,
Oh so dear

You’re safe my love,
Now in my arms

Forever your strength,
Is in my palms

My darling one,
My handsome soldier

Now this time,
Apart is over

This ribbon we’ll hold,
Deep in our heart

And swear once more,
We never shall part.

Author’s Note: This is Part 2, to the ‘yellow ribbon’ poem I wrote in 2004. I wanted to write something for when our unit got back from Iraq. They are all back now; all are home, bar one. He was from California, but attached to our unit, and unfortunately did not make it home.