Love amid war

A battle cry is heard across the field
Democracy rings from the mountains
Gunfire screams from miles away
As the sound of humans dying fills the air

Yet while this is happening, it's my face you see
When you close your eyes to get away
I feel as if I'm just a breath from your touch
As a bullet whizzes by your ear

You snap back to reality
The cold world as it is
And quickly remind yourself to why you're there
Calculating how much longer you have left

But you can't help but fall into my memory once more
Standing at the airport
The silent tears falling down my cheeks
Your hesitance to get on the plane

You know your duty though
With your pack strapped onto your back
You're fighting for our freedom
Fighting for MY freedom

My letter crumpled falls from your pocket
Yet you have no time to pick it up
You only wish that I will write another soon
Something to read while you're at the worst

The stories you're storing in your mind to share
Ones of blood and gore
The horror you know I should never have to hear
But I'm the only one willing to listen

Before you know it the battle is finished
You walk through the bloodied bodies
Just wanting to get back
See if I've written you once more

You come in to find another letter from me
My pictures are in it
Good, it's just what you needed
The letter reads:

"My dearest love,
I think of you each day,
I'm counting down the moments till you get home,
Only 61 days left you know.
I can't imagine what you must be facing,
But here at home it's beautiful!
The trees have just turned your favorite shades,
Mostly orange and yellow,
But some red has come through as well.
The earth smells like fall,
I can't believe it's finally here!
I'll take pictures of the trees for you,
I do so know how you love fall.
I wish you could see how my chest fills with pride,
Each time I hear of you on the television!
I don't think I say it enough, but thank you.
If it wasn't for you,
I wouldn't see these colors of fall.
The scent of bodies would be the only filling my mind,
But instead I can smell fall.
I can't wait for your return baby,
I miss you dearly.
But I'm sitting here alone for you,
With open arms,
Aching lips,
And a growing heart.
Promise me you'll think of me now and then.

Love,
Mindy
*Love NEVER fails* - 1Cor8"

You fold this up, and tuck it in your pocket
A grin falls upon your face
For you know I am waiting for you
And I put it in - our motto, our verse

The days seem long and hard
But with each one passing you know it'll go quicker
For every day is one more closer to being with me
To touch my lips once more