I WATCHED THEM GO

I watched with sorrow
I watched with woe
I bit my tongue
As I watched them go.

Yesterday they answered the role
Of various occupations
Now they're on a list
To join with other nations.

There they are, there am I
Anxieties build and mount
Fearing to let go
Making every second count.

I am here to wish them well
I know nary a one
Yet I know all of them
Mother, father, daughter, son.

It wasn't long ago
With tears in our eyes
We stood on these docks
With remorseful sighs.

I held my husband's hand
I gazed into his heart
I felt our wedding vows
Until death do us part.

I pray the sorrows of tomorrow
May never surpass
The pains of the present
And their burdens of the past.

And from the ship that call
The call to assemble
I know it all too well
As tender hearts tremble.

Every depth of sorrow
Lingers with each disband
Even the smallest infant
Senses a trembling hand.

Like leaves in deepest Autumn
Which reluctantly let go
To join their scattered brethren
On the grass and streets below.

No one moves as the vessel sails
On that sea of reality
Carrying that precious cargo
Into a storm of finality.

Where is history taking them?
Who among them will return?
What will we have garnered?
What will we have learned?

Those questions reverberate
From one generation to another
I lost my dearest husband
And I will love no other.

We, they, you bear a sacrifice
In our own patriotic way.
Yet saying good bye, perhaps forever
Are the saddest words we'll say.

I watched with sorrow
I watched with woe
I bit my lip
As I watched them go.

by Jerry Plantz


 

~My Heartfelt Thanks to Jerry
for sharing his wonderful heartwarming poetry!~


Please send him an email in appreciation!