From a Soldier's Wife.......

Steeling for Silence

In the last 18 years I don't think there've been

this many nights without hearing from him

And, just as the ocean--pulsed by constant repeats

of powerful, surging crests that pound and retreat--

would stagnate were the moon muted to compel tides,

the instruments of my ear stand, silent, they bide

to conduct that symphony arranging my life

as lover, as friend, as confidant, as wife:

Their moon being his intonation.

His voice was my first experience of him;

Waves that struck some chord, echoed some need within,

composed a new score, a new rhythm, a new theme

accompanied every subsequent act and scheme

Now, sudden silence stresses sensibilities

stifles, smothers, suggests the senses will seize

It's like trying to wean from dependence on air

Starving every cell, every fiber, its fare

Their oxygen his conversation.

This poem is by our friend, Norwegianwood, Pati, written a few days ago, only weeks after her Air Force husband, Scott, was deployed to Iraq for a year. I thought it was beautiful and it's important to hear from a wife. Thank you, Norwegianwood, for your sacrifice and the sacrifice of your kids. And, of course, thanks to your husband for what he's doing for our country. May it be an easier year than you all expected and may he come home safe and sound.

Please keep Scott, Pati and their children in your prayers.