Mothers of the Fallen ~

It is the season of the barren trees
The gossamer that floats over the damp sod.
This is the time when mothers don black attire
Walk across the frozen turf to the gaping womb
That awaits their sons.

We stand aloof imagining their grief

As best we can, our souls yet untouched 

By that ruthless wrench,

Watching their silken veils flutter in the breeze.

Do not stand, Mother.
Sit, and let the tears fall in salty streams
Across your wearied streaked face,
Taste the salt of tears and wail loud
Across deaf space to the caring trees.

There is no pain to match yours
On losing your son—to have to offer him
To unkind war, the thief that tore him
From your breast.
What void opened out before you
On losing that echoing heartbeat
With your newly-born that was?
Will it e'er be bridged?

There is no solace, no word, no comfort
To take away the gnaw of loss
You have come to know.

We sit down beside you, 

Weeping,
One, in ceaseless silence.