A Father's Joy and Sadness

It's war time and he must leave, dreary thoughts can't overshadow the cradled moment he wishes to eternally live for his first-born son; he may not return home, and his tears show his fear. Had he missed his baby's birth, torment would have destroyed him... not ever seeing his own image on that tiny and trembling baby's face; he was happy for his birth, but sad for not giving him more kisses. More than his wife, he'll miss David; his picture imprinted on the silver heart he will carry to the blasting battlefields; it'll induce strength when it hope will fade, it'll allow him to believe he'll come home to treasure more tender moments... like the last moment he cradled the infant in his strong arms. Written on 7/1/2016