Hello Soldier. For Jamal.

Hello Soldier
by Jasmine Middleton

Hello soldier, it’s been awhile

Since your name used to make me smile.

I remember when you came here in a flurry

Of slurred words, and fear of fury.

We adopted you and I called you my brother.

I feared every day that there would be another.

But childish fear would be resolved

by you.

I swear we were inseparable. Everything was possible.

The world was infinite.

Opulence true.

Hello Soldier, it’s been awhile

Since you flew away with unimpeachable style.

With your blue overcoat,

Your pins,

Your tie.

We knew you were meant to fly.

But dear soldier we missed you,

We prayed and we cried

And when you got back we knew .

Something wasn’t right with you.

You’re button up wrinkled,

Your tie broken and bent,

Much like my heart.

For I knew what it meant.

Hello Soldier.

It has been a while.

Since the fight that tore us

And broke your smile.

I wish I had known that it was you

That I was obviously talking to.

But then it was too late,

You ran, maybe cried.

My brave souled soldier wanted to die.

All because I made a mistake

And like the stake in my heart

I cracked.

Hello. Soldier.

I know it was me.

My fault, my blame

A tangle of grief.

My soldier my soldier I’m glad that you’re safe.

But things between us

Still scream like the wraith

Of what we once were.

Hello soldier,

It’s been a while.

How’s your daughter?

Does she have your smile?

I know how you must feel…

But after the scare

Of the pictures and violence and

Killing out there..

I hope you don’t go anywhere.

Even if only time can mend this tear.

Hello my dear soldier,

My brother, my heart.

I love you. I love you.

I love you.