Little Boy Blue

safely home.
from fighting a war that wasn't yours
from fighting people
with skin too closely
related
to our own

atone
atone
atone

we all must do
but sincerely,
i cant judge you
cause
really...
i fight for a
cause
all day long
i don't believe in

wars kill
but they also buy pink bows
and tonka trucks
puppy dogs
and baby dolls
war
is securing
the innocence
of your children
while assuring
the death
of yours

safely home.
i thank god
because the alternative
would be too much to bear
i wear
my heart on my sleeve for you
remembering you
my little boy blue
who loved apples
and kitty cats
and satin blankets
and me.

looking back
you were always a leader
youngest of 3
always mistaken
for the oldest of two
who knew
you would be a green beret at 23
who knew
my heart would swell
with pride
at the accomplishments made
from a war
I don't condone
but alone
you survived
a childhood that would have
devastated a lesser man

trade you bombs and bullets
for alcoholic mothers
and absentee fathers
i lived more than you remember
products of our parents
we could be
can both these apples
fall far from the tree?
i'll give you a medal
of honor
for trying
my little boy blue
safely home.

i love you