The Agony of Separation

 

Soldiers struggle along trenches and through undergrowth,

as the enemy waits armed with pensive anticipation.

Cold weather dampens their spirits and will to fight,

at home their families lay cradled in fear as missiles fall near.

 

One lives with the hope that the other still lives,

as contact is infrequent and painfully thin.

Darkness is a part of their underground refuge,

blankets for warmth are wrapped around their tormented frames.

 

The trench is home, a transitory maze of mud,

day and night alert they hear a distant thud.

A family photo, an amulet and the occasional prayer,

with meagre rations and little to spare.

 

Children hold their mothers tight in fear and fright,

in the glimmer of a dimmed small candle light.

They too eat cold food for limited strength,

hope on hope some relief will soon be sent.