Running up scratchy, cold concrete
Steps to catch her army uniform
Before the skinny brown suit left without
Their first kiss.
Arriving hurriedly and nervous
Suddenly with nothing to
Say to his surprised smile,
Crooked with pride.
Apologizing to this eighteen-year-old
Soldier leaning his crew cut
Through the broken window
Down to her cantankerous tears.
Moving her hand to
His hanging down,
She tells him she’ll wait
For him, not his scarecrow brother.