Wesley James

The mother's hand is held so tight
The father's just the same
A young boy in an unknown place
Holds tight to his protection

Forms abound in dirt and stench
Small and frightened forms
Horrors to the young boy's eyes
But parents are not swayed.

Together they step, the center of all
Eyes watch them so warily
The boy trembles, but parents stand tall
Arms opened to the world

They pass their hearts and care around
Until the air changes
Words of thanks rain on their heads
But not all are so grateful

The father shows his son it all
And just begins to whisper,
"For those who can, we should always--"
He'd never speak again

A wretched bang intrudes the air
Another quickly follows
Who once was shielded is now exposed
As blood runs down their faces.

The mother's hand is held so tight
The father's just the same
A young boy in a shadowed place
Alone and so confused.


Next Week: A Vow