An Early Morning Summons

On a cloudless morning I awoke to the incessant pounding on my door. A firm voice on the other side. A stranger calling my name. He repeats his call. Looking out, I see his stripes, Boots shining brightly, crisply pressed uniform. Dread fills my soul with trembling fingers I unlock the door. He asks for me by name. I confirm. With tears in his eyes He tells me the worst. Of how sorry he is to inform. Of how I should be proud. How our country has lost another proud soldier in this fight. I say thank you, tears fill my eyes and I wonder how I will tell her wife that has no rights.