The Marine's Dinner

A thought that wound it's way from my brain to the paper after guard watch last night...

He stood there
watching intently
thinking immensely
(They're all there)

Sun dropping to the horizon
(It's almost time)
Beyond mud walls
and homes
Their gunfire rings out

Sergeant climbs the ladder
plate in hand
the smell filling
the tower
(They've smelled this all day)

Stuffing
(His daughter would spill most of it)
Potatoes
(His wife peeling each one)
Turkey
(The sound as Dad sharpened the knife)
Pumpkin Pie
(Mom)

"Think they'll come this way, Sergeant?"
"Mmm, possible"

Sergeant leaves the plate
exits down the ladder
and pauses

A son
Husband
Father looks at the plate

Cheeks flushed red
eyes glistening
nose twinging

"Happy Thanksgiving Marine"
(Indeed)

Reviews

[Cicera]

When the sergeant climbs the ladder carrying a plate of the meal, he's not really interrupting any thoughts. It is all part of the observation, and the Thanksgiving meal is the culmination of it. While the soldier guards with his observant eyes, as time passes he develops thoughtful observations that are farther from the ground he guards. They are as far as his hope and longing would reach out. This is quietly and shortly what it means to have your heart beating in two different locations. This is a short and insightful look into the mind of the soldier. I came to this poem looking for some of this insight, and I come out having found what I came looking for.

[Norah]

So important to be able to feel so deep, and so real🌹

[Haunzwürthe]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[Siren]

Great write. It's an honor to know part of a soldier's story. Thank you, in every way.

[Poeticpiers]

brought back some memories I thought forgotten of nights on a searchlight watchtower overlooking a swamp