The Soldier Left

The soldier left
to start his tour of duty
while the snow fell,
leaving family and friends.
For a long time he had lived at home
building and tending
keeping his appointed rounds
and, recently,
remembering,
till now he was ready to serve again.

Next day the snow
fell from trees and telephone wires
on yards and streets
past the windows of those
he left behind
gently
quietly
peacefully.

In memory of Jim O'Brien

January 1 2010