Tin Soldier

A new day rises over the distant horizon,

Staining the sky a dusty rose.

A woman-child watches its ascent,

And wonders if her soldier knows.

Her heart pounds and she holds her breath,

As delicate fingers trace the letter's edge.

She prays for her soldier to come home.

She has a promise to keep, and he a pledge.

Again, she wonders if he knows.

Still she tries to carry through,

Her days are long, and the nights, too.

But in the dark her dreams lead her true.

Sighing gently, she wipes away a tear,

And in her hand she clutches a child's toy.

A small, and perfect, tin soldier…

He was merely a boy!

This they trained, and took away.

This they taught and molded to fight.

Just one in the masses over there.

He is her one and only light.

Another tear caresses her cheek,

Her only comfort as she holds the tin.

Still she must wonder,

Will he come home, again?

-Yabou

We miss you more than you will ever know, my tin soldier. Come home safely, Samuel!