#warandhomecoming
Away From Home
You missed my ship.
I’m on my way now.
You know that I am gone.
You may hear the horn blast —
I’m five hundred miles from home now,
I’m on my way.
Tomorrow, another war I meet.
The battles will soon draw near.
Silence among us — no words,
only thoughts, thoughts of home.
I’m five hundred miles from home now;
a new shore glimmers ahead.
Lord, oh Lord — the battle begins.
Silence among us, no words.
Thoughts of what comes next.
Who will it be? Eyes staring,
fears hidden, smiles raised.
I’m five hundred miles from home now;
a new shore, and I do not stand alone.
Lord, hold my hand.
I now step into this fight.
It is not silent now — thunder.
Rage, rage like never seen before.
Visions of horror screaming,
the noise a constant deafening roar.
I’m five hundred miles from home now;
a new night I will endure.
Night becomes day — thunder, lightning,
flashes like shooting stars.
I move forward, fixed on the storm.
No words, only hidden fears,
raised smiles and nods of “okay.”
Slowly, with intent, I will calm this storm.
I’m five hundred miles from home now;
a new silence — the storm is gone.
Lord, thank you, thank you.
Now there are words,
many, many words.
Smiles become laughter.
I’m five hundred miles from home now.
My ship sails tonight.
I’m going home.
I will see you soon.
But my friends —
so many, so many —
lost, lost in the storm, lost forever.
But their pain and horror gone,
carried now on a warm sunset’s touch.
I am home,
but my heart is heavy.
No words — flagged coffins pass,
row on row. I stand and watch.
Lowered heads, tipping hats.
The bugle sounds — haunting.
A flower covered road, tears,
so many tears.
For what, I ask you — for what.
Feb 22
Feb 22, 2026 at 7:30 AM UTC