THE TELEGRAM
The telegram was short
Discreet
She collapsed at the messenger’s feet
“We regret to inform you”
“Your Son is dead”
A bullet in his head
A bullet in his head
“He died a hero”
“Valiantly”
Sniper ambush
Along the Yellow Sea
Flag draped coffin
Lay in state
Fragmented remains
Her child’s sad fate
Minute slice of an enormous pie
Yet tears of rage
Sting her eyes
A war designed to “stabilize”
A region clearly dehumanized
God bless you young soldier
May you now rest in peace
Your courage
Not forgotten
Your weariness
Now released
© Bill Grimes Jr. 2006
