Photo credit: Nanny Snowflake on Flickr
Today’s photo (is not mine, but it perfectly expresses the heart of this post) is a little late for Memorial Day, but I wanted to show tribute to those who fight for us daily and to honor the sacrifice that they make at the expense of loved ones. I wrote a poem from the standpoint of a wife seeing her husband off as he leaves to report for duty.
A psalm for my soldier
My smile flew away the moment you kissed me goodbye and walked through the gate.
It waited patiently for you to come sit beside and hold it within the warmth of the hollow of your hands and safeguard it ’til you reached your destination.
I remembered that you had the good sense not to look back because you knew that you would see the jumbled, emotional mess you’d be leaving behind.
We didn’t talk about the almost month of Sundays when we would be separated by an ocean or two, instead we talked about what we’d do the moment our eyes caressed one another again.
We marveled about how we’d sit down and discuss the ‘must-haves’ for the new house that would accommodate the things a sentimental fool like me couldn’t bear to part with.
You never complained because you knew how difficult it was for me to let go of things near and dear to my heart.
We spoke of wishes and hopes and dreams and gave no power to the underlying fear that went unspoken, but certainly felt.
Be safe, my love. I pray that you will come back to me, if not whole in body, then in mind and spirit.
But should God decide that He needs you more, know that my heart will be forever waiting for you on the other side.
© 2008 Renee King
Maryden25 on 
im not sure if this classifies as cheating, since the words are so poignant and powerful. beautifully written renee.
Twitter: aviewtoathrill
Jamie,
I was kicking myself for not having a photo of a soldier of my own. I can’t remember where I saw this discussion, but someone mentioned that it is good to take ‘slice of life pics’ when you are traveling (or whatever) because you never know when that pic may come in handy….such as in times like this…
Twitter: eurotravelista
Wonderful sentiment and, IMO, it is never too late to express the gratitude for our men and women serving in the military. Gratitude just doesn’t seem to be enough!
Agreed. Thanks to everyone currently serving and those that have served out country in years past.
Very beautiful and poignant words Renee! They really bring extra meaning to the photo.
lovely. and I agree- it’s never too late to express gratitude!
Twitter: aviewtoathrill
Thanks, Jade….glad that it’s being well-received.
Lovely post Renee. Your words are very touching.
Thanks for posting to Travel Photo Thursday.
Twitter: aviewtoathrill
Thanks, Nancie!
Twitter: budgettravelsac
Thanks for this Renee. Definitely a bit of a different take on the photo of the week but incredibly powerful. I can’t imagine what it is like for a family to have to go through this.
Beautiful and touching, Renee — and so appropriate. Thanks for sharing your poem.
Twitter: aviewtoathrill
Thanks, Cathy!
What a great idea for Memorial Day. Well done!
Twitter: aviewtoathrill
Thanks, Stephanie!
What lovely words Renee – very powerful and very positive.
Twitter: aviewtoathrill
Thanks, Leigh!
Twitter: ExpatGermany
Beautifully written Renee. When I lived in S. Korea I got to know some service men and women and it was heartbreaking to see their pain of being away from their families for extended periods of time.
Twitter: aviewtoathrill
Thanks, Laurel….it has to be so difficult being separated like that.