For A Soldier Known Or Unknown

there's a break in the music
in between battle lines
where you'll dream

what will I be
when I get ouf of here
will I be free

of thinking this is it
the telegram for me
or maybe not

and then I'll chide
is that all you've got,
go back to being brave

or pray that God will save me
and if not that I'll be safe above
in the foxholes of pink clouds.

pink clouds. I'll think of them awhile
and afternoons at home
the swing on the old shade tree

and all the pies they made for me
the early warnings.
how it feels when the sun warms your back

but not too much
and you have a leisurely lunch
and everyone's laughing.

but I, I volunteered for hell
here's hoping it all goes well
I live to see the day

when I won't have to pay
for their mistakes
the ones who say

(while keeping out of the fray)

it can only be solved this way
and in the game of universal tag,
Buddy,

you are It.

mary angela douglas 7 march 2018