Playing War

A loaf of bread, untouched, waiting for my late brother Finally home, he takes half the loaf and hands me the other In his hand a soldier, in mine a tank, a game of war "Take this! Boom boom boom!" his solider falls to the floor Brothers bonding, our war games always end with a smile Today again, I wait with bread in hand, tank rolling on the tile Waiting for my brother's return, a game of catch with Dad Dad's face is smiling, yet his eyes are so sad Waiting for my brother, the house plunges into night Brother's absence, Dad's embrace, holding Mom and me so tight As Mom's tears fall, Dad speaks of games, words unclear I offer him my brother's toy soldier, to bring him cheer Dad's face frozen, as though he suffered a fright He quickly leaves, neither brother nor father in sight Mom looks out and whispers of war, her voice so low Ah, I think, they're playing alone, a game that I know If you won your war game, stop laughing and come quick Surely Dad just needs my tank, my winning trick Then Brother can return from this puzzling war I dream of a bright house again, eating as four But why is Brother's soldier hidden, in a drawer full of hair? Waiting for my brother, this new mystery brings despair I just want my brother, no more games of war To play and laugh and share bread, just like before No more war, only games of peace I wish to play And for my family to be whole again, I kneel and I pray