Sharon M. French

ANTICIPATION

Anxiety is high when we
hear from our loved ones
across the seas. They are coming
home. A bright décor of yellow
ribbons flows in the wind for miles.

We tie ribbons to light posts
and send a welcome home
message to our troops.

Streams of us honor
men and women,
some of them strangers.

We wave flags and flood the streets,
show them respect and gratitude
for serving our country.

Our eyes filled with tears
when they left. Now we cry
tears of joy and embrace them.