Flag-draped wood box slides down the ramp
drizzle slightly dampens its vision
dark, bleak early morning
my eyes blur, hours of bawling, heaving
dry tears on my face and clothes

My little ones hold tight
looks of fear emanate from their eyes
bewildered, blank stares
soldiers, soaked, motionless
never move, show no emotion
do their duty

Flag gently folds in perfect form
gives me a gift
though I pause
Stand, unmoved, frigid
vacuous, no one stirs me
thoughts ramble
why him?
I am a widow