Reality's Nightmare

He Joined what he believed Would help Not hurt. But by being one He mistakenly caused pain to many. Three children cling Tears staining their cheeks Knowing he’ll be gone, For a while. They didn't think they had said Their final goodbyes. One child barely speaking, His mind won’t remember him So it will be like he never existed, But that’s not the child’s fault. His wife, Knew all the possibilities, They had haunted her worst dreams Then the nightmare Became reality. One missile, Sent out to kill, From the enemy. To cause pain and tears, Succeeded, Not only once. When the news came, How was the family told? Gently like the winds that blew that morning, Or harshly like the commander was only sad Over the loss of a soldier, Not a man. When she explains To her children How she was widowed Will they follow in their father’s footsteps? Or simply leave it be? And let him live in their thoughts. His family will never forget him So tears will be shed Like his wife And children did When he left But I know, They cried harder, When he never came back.