6/26/2004

The
occupying tanks
roll on
over another
outstretched body
perhaps
already dead
bystanders
helpless
screaming
a prayer said
in the absence of
more say
in the matter
as I hurry home
wanting to be there
when
my daughter wakes up
eager to get on with
her life
wonderful
even if
I do not
fold her
into my arms
and kiss her face
this time
before she is
out the door
the sight
sound
and presence of her
in the house
good as gold.