Sacrifice Left Empty Arms

The night rattles with dry leaves,

I hear summer gasp its final breath

and wonder how the days slipped

through my fingers while I was

clutching at straw hopes you would return.

War took you from me with its command

to march into hell where angels lay

broken upon soil polluted by greed.

Your sacrifice left my arms empty.

I know you did what you felt was right,

but I wonder how much truth

you were told by a government

well versed in lies.

I have no child with your smile,

or blue eyes shining with mischief.

Freedom’s price has chopped

limbs from our family tree.

Every night I petition the universe

to let me hear your voice fall from the stars

to tell me I am safer with you gone.

©Susie Clevenger 2013

I wrote this in response to my fear the United States is on the verge of military action in Syria.