A Personal War

Her arms shake as she lifts
Shredded white cloth
Strained by the burden
She carries on her back
Only to realize
Surrendering for greed 
Is better than giving in
To fear forever
A single tear hovers
Her strength to fight
Is dwindling with each 
Step forward towards
A line that carries
Penalties to which
She must face
Her limbs
Bruised and bleeding
From running afar
A stained path
Guides the enemy
For an artless retrieval
At a volitional stance
She begs not 
For nourishment 
Though her heart remains 
Useless and empty
His tears dress her wounds
Covering her chest
With the flag
She used to wear
Cradling her body
They sleep
Awakening to
A war that has ended
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace