Shoulder

Shoulder

by Omegax45

 

(Please read the Note for Reviewers before reading.)

 

 

The moonlight fell upon his backside.

I watch, unable to sleep.

The night was warm, a sheet draped over us.

He slumbers on, no longer plagued by nightmares.

It’s because I am here, by his side.

His face pressed against the softness of my bosom.

 

We met as young adults.

Spent days having fun in the warm sun.

His laugh warmed my soul.

My smile warmed his soul.

Many say we were like soul mates.

We became soul mates once we made our vows.

 

Our home was full of brightness and light.

No worry was too large for us.

We solve it together.

Our joy escalated when I brought home good news.

I was to be a mother.

He was to be a father.

 

Then the war began, our world invaded.

He was called to duty, to keep them from taking what is ours.

I understood.

He is a soldier, and his place was on the battlefield.

I am a housewife, and my place was home with the children.

We said our farewells and promised to see one another again.

 

I waited for him, praying to God for his safety.

I gave birth to a boy.

I named him Jeremy, after his grandfather.

I tell Jeremy every day about his father.

Of how a kind man he is and how his is fighting for us.

And of the day he will return to us once he drives the invaders away.

 

The war finally ends, the invaders gone back to their world.

I wait patiently for my husband.

A car comes by and two men in military form steps out.

I almost cried, my worst fears becoming reality.

They open another door, and I’m relieved.

My husband is home.

His eyes appear almost dead.

His soul is in pain, and no one helps him.

What has happened to my once bright husband?

Has the war done so much damage to his being?

He walks with a cane now, his leg wrapped in bandages.

The two men tell me was discharge from his injury, then left.

 

We said nothing, just stare at one another for a moment.

I welcome him home, and he smiled gently.

I introduced him to Jeremy.

He holds his son for the first time, looking as if he thought he was in a dream.

Then he fell to his knees and cried.

Took me into his arms and held me.

 

My poor husband.

How the war was cruel to your kind spirit, the enemy too horrid to mention.

I will become the rock you cling to in the storm.

The room to hide you from the cruelty of the world.

The shoulder you come to and cry on.

I will never leave you, or let you go.

 

He is plagued at night by nightmares.

Nightmares of the war, of death.

I hold him, whisper into his ear that all is well.

He is home, he is safe.

He holds me and kisses me.

Worships me.

 

Each day passes, and he gets better.

But, he won’t be the same as before.

The war broke him, left him to die in fear and pain.

Jeremy and I will heal him.

Put each piece together, one-by-one.

My husband won’t be the same, but I still love him.

 

I could not stop him from going to war.

I could not take his place and be there myself.

I should feel helpless.

But I don’t, and won’t.

I will be all that he needs.

His wife, mother of his children, friend, lover…and shoulder.

Author's Note

I revised this and I think I got it right. So you know, it's about the world being invaded by aliens and the husband is traumatized by it. Hope you guys like it

Reviews

[Lilmissfit]

this is a very amazing poem. love knows no bounds and can endure anything that life throws its way. If your love is true and i could very much feel it in this poem. wonderfull write :)

[FJ Davis]

You've brought beauty to tragedy and a loving strength where it will certainly be needed.
I thank you both for what you have given and will give in service to America. I'm so very sorry that the price you've had to pay is so high.
This is a heartfelt, heartrending poem which I salute you for writing. Absolutely no apology necessary. It has great impact.
May God heal and bless your brave family.

[Nautili]

so beautiful and heartfelt. I felt your pain and your devotion to your husband. Thank you for openiong your heart and sharing this with us all. Don't apologize for anything, it is perfect.

[DreyaArt]

thank you for writing first of all. For your first poem on here its very good, has strong meaning well written. Remember, poems dont have to rhyme, they dont even have to be short. Many of mine are quite long.
I understand what it feels like to stop, I always picture a little angel sitting on my shouler telling me the words to say, and when the poem comes to life, and no more words are given, then I may stop writing.
It is always so satisfying when you write something that flows from you with hardly a pause or thought, its much more pure that way I think. Its coming from a source that means something to you, or inspires you.
Again thank you for writing.
Blessed be.