Mothers Cries

an original poem --

a man walks up
five stars on chest
envelope in hand
it's opened;
heard
"i'm sorry ma'am"
as the color left her head

"i promise ma,
i'll be home safe
but, keep me in your prayers"
his last words,
thought i asked you God
to keep him in Your care.

a flag procession
men in black
shots heard far and wide
his blood shed
his promise broken
to let his flag wave high

a purple ribbon
now adorned
atonement for his life
shown with pride
near stars and stripes
at cost of life
and mothers cries.