Gone Again

By Norman Mike Nelson

A tear slowly rolled down my face

as I said goodbye to my son.

Far away there was a war

still waiting to be won.

My grandson holds tightly

to his father's hand and says slowly,

"Papa will this war end

before I am a man?

My throat is tight.

I can hardly breath.

How can I answer my little man

who has such a need?

My grandson and I have been here before.

This is not the first time

we've watched his father

leave for war.

This is my son's third trip

to the Middle East.

I pray each day and ask you Lord,

"Why do we keep providing you such a feast?"

He does not answer

just keeps taking my son.

I am starting to believe

this war will never be won.