Something about the way
you said my name,
like a prayer,
or maybe just
taken in vain.
It was almost time
to get up
from our bed.
Couldn’t tell if you were asleep,
but I’m certain that you said,
“If you go
for me
go all the way.
I’ll never need
an unexploded grenade.
If you truly want
to keep my safe,
you’ll blow all
my enemies away.”
I stopped in the door.
Waiting to hear more,
but all I heard
were the sounds
of you sleeping.
So, I set off to war,
not knowing what was in store,
but before I closed the door,
I heard you weeping.
Not sure if you spoke
from the dream,
or if you had seen
the future in the dawn
beyond the shade.
But I would never be
to type to fight lightly.
I’d never go away,
if it weren’t necessary.
A price would be paid
to keep you safe
and I would never be
that unexploded grenade.
Years passed
in the dark.
Can’t recall
the start,
but I am here,
waiting in your doorway.
When you see my face
will you turn away
from the scars
that I bear upon me?
I have done these things
to keep you safe.
Will you now,
help to keep me sane?
I have gone and paid the cost,
much more than I can say,
and come face to face
with the exploding grenades.
Will your eyes
now try to ease my pain?
Can you live
with the peace that you claim?
As the dawn comes on
and reveals me,
will you heal me,
or cast me away?
I am not
an unexploded grenade.
For you,
I went all the way.
DJR – 2023
