My hero will return
to bear hugs,
to warm kisses.
His face will grace
my hands, my heart, my soul.
His bright eyes will speak
of longing and tenderness.
My hero returned …
his hollow cheeks, his dimmed eyes
glassy, lost in space.
His daily silence
deafening;
his nightmares
wild
When will my son
feel free, secure
from his demons?
When will I hear his dreams
away from battles, pain, and screams?
When will his smiles
build my hope, my life’s seams?