Coming Home

Behind the bar,
in a building straight from the 70's,
I chat to the boys in there cams,
finishing for the day.
Some take a case,
others pick up a 6 pack
Bundy, Bourbon or Beer.
Some look cheery for the night ahead of relaxing,
others are drawn and you know what the alcohol is for.
Some are still teenagers,
others have been in for decades.
Some live on base,
others are heading home to families,
who have travelled almost as much as there army man.

My regulars get themselves settled out the front,
i finish up cleaning the cool room,
and join them for a smoke and the latest news.
"Alpha company has just got back, Delta is next"
Relieved that they're all home safe,
perhaps only an injury or two.
The relief is short lived as i look across the table,
this group of guys and only one of them is in Delta.

He smiles back at me,
"don't worry, love, i can't wait to go"
all heroics, all talk but it's the way they all cope.
The crude jokes start and i give a snide one liner and wonder back inside,
rauciouse laughter follows me, music to my ears.

Wiping down the benches my own love wonders into the bar,
he half leaps over the bar to give me a quick kiss.
He settles himself on a stool and orders a drink,
waits for when i finish work myself.
He tells me Delta is off soon,
i just nod.
The only thought going through my mind,
thank god it's not you, cause i don't think i could take it.
I don't say it out loud, it would upset him.

I know one day he will get his deployment,
I know one day i will have to say goodbye,
and wait and prey for him to be safe.
but not today, instead it's one of my regulars,


One of my friends.