Army Wife

I wait by the phone. I schedule our time.

I dream about guns. You do what you’re told.

You kiss me goodbye. You tell me you’re mine.

I nod. Your statement is cherished like gold.

But it isn’t true. The gold is tarnished.

Your kind smile lies. You don’t belong to me.

It eats me up. It mesmerises me.

It is clear. You belong to your country.

I search the TV for your face. I pounce

When the phone rings. I pray for your safety.

And I panic when a death is announced.

I try to sleep. But your absence scares me.

Though I respect and I am proud of you,

Thought you should know we both miss you.