soldiers salute flags

stiff-necked, proud

politicians shake hands

white teeth, broad smiles

a mother wails in the open doorway

hands cupped to brow  

a father weeps in the far corner

back turned, bent

a ragged child stands motionless

in her bombed home, blank  

eyes stare

dusk’s frayed edges sprawl

across black and white

leaves

falling from my fingers

to scatter across my lap

defeat justice  defend  honor

© Copyright 2007 Susan M. Botich