Thank You

by Elizabeth Alksne
(PA)

Seconds, minutes, hours, and days
It all goes much slower when you are away.
When you’re over seas
between gun shots and bombs,
Using those spare minutes to write letters to your beloved fathers and moms.
At times like these a watch is not needed,
you know what time it is
while your heart is still beating.
It’s time to look up and keep going forward,
It’s the time to know and believe
the bright future you’re going toward.

Then finally you hear the bombs no more.
You hear the birds singing in the sunny weather as you walk in through your home door.
And almost like fire works on the fourth of July
You see those faces that last saw you
when you were saying good bye.
You share a silent glance
with your reflection.
You see a man looking back
at your direction.

Although I haven’t been in your position,
I am greatly touched and thankful
for your decision.
Your decision to do what you’ve done
And to go through what you have gone.
And no matter what happens now and then,
I am so thankful to God for you
and all of the other brave men.