a prayer from a soldier’s wife

I’ve been working long hours on my novel this week so I didn’t have time for a new post. Instead, I’m sharing a poem I wrote back in either 2002 or 2003. It is a favorite among friends. Let me know what you think in the comments. Thanks!

go, as you must,
but this i ask–
when you come home
come alone

make me proud
but not a widow
bring your heart
but not a telegram
bring your pride
but not a flag

come with stories
but tell them yourself
bring your tags
but wear them yourself

give your smile
but not in a picture
bring your own tears
i don’t want any

you can come home wounded
i’ll heal your pain
you can come home with scars
because your love makes them beautiful

you can come home hurting
i’ll make you happy
you can come home empty-handed
as long as your heart is full

i don’t want to look back
and wonder what might have been
i want to look at you
and be whole

so don’t bring your satin bed
share mine of cotton
and let the pain of war be forgotten

-

*Art on the front page by Nathan Thomas Milliner. He is a freelance writer/illustrator out of Louisville, KY and the creator/writer/illustrator of the comic book series THE MALEVOLENT, FINAL DAYS, GIRL NUMBER THREE, JUVENILE and HECTOR THE HITMAN.

You can find Jen on Facebook and Twitter.