HIS GREATEST FEAR
He was five-years-old
checking under his bed
looking in the closet
sure the monster
would jump out at him.
Even as he was
tucked into bed
thoughts of wild things
shadowed his dreams.
"Leave the light on
mom", he pleads.
He outgrew that teddy bear
although, it still keeps watch
reminiscent of childhood days.
He worries now about his life,
his wife, children he now
readies for bed.
Saying goodnight
saying goodbye
he leaves to serve his country.
Come back home soon
she whispers as he
walks out the door.
I love you.
A few close calls
fear rises like a phantom
in the night.
Captured, shackled,
he sits alone in a cell
thinks of his life,
the pain, the joy.
He can barely withstand
the beatings, the torture
as he thinks of home.
Yes, this is his greatest fear
Being alone... Dying alone.