To Honor my Father

It’s the dream of each parent

children leave the nest –

find success –

not just to survive,

but to thrive

on their own.

Though dread fills their heart,

hope brings them peace,

that the world

will delight

in their

magnificent sons.

But that’s not how it happened

for you on that day,

the fateful day you,

my future father,

were sent away.

That day our country claimed you,

trained you,

armed you,

dropped you

on a battlefield

only to come what may.

Yet you fought, oh how you fought,

this war you never chose.

For years?

For months?

I wouldn’t know.

Though I long to find out

these things you hold close

to your chest

are the very things

you’ll never disclose.

I lived with you for years,

yet that’s a time you didn’t speak of –

never once shedding tears

in public.

Your medals

you tossed,

your memories

you guard,

shame

your own dirty little secret.

You survived, others died

so this day I remember,

humility humming your truth on my tongue –

so many brave,

so many fallen,

freedom’s price paid by blood –

hero’s songs

still waiting to be sung.

(c) Sierra Kummings 2015