Adventure for a Friend

D.C. this afternoon is chilly, 

freezing rain,

And of course, we all know those
in the military who are in harm's way,
or could be, and we try not to think of
all the possibilities, hoping they come home soon.

but where he's flying 

to tomorrow will be 

just the opposite, all hot and dry 

and dangerous (I guess D.C. might qualify

for that as well, in certain sections). 

Anywhere you go requiring shots 

and camouflage 

and tips for what to do 

in case you're kidnapped 

sounds like (all at once) 

a grand adventure and quite scary, 

sure to keep those back at home

in attitudes of prayer, 

excited at the thought

of all the stories he will  tell 

when he returns, reminding God 

how very necessary

that he does just that...returns, 

no drama save

the crying babies on the plane, a little sunburn.

We can handle that. 

The other is unthinkable,

and so we focus scattered

thoughts, repeat a mantra

that of course, it's fine. 

He will be fine.

He has to be. 

He is.

(c) Ellen Gillette, 2015