at my friend's door
two military officers
in morning chill ...
his son and mine battle
with rows of toy soldiers
A long, heart-piercing scream shakes the living room. My friend's son starts crying uncontrollably in fear, and my son does, too. I am tongue tied and feel frozen in time.
In my mind's eye, I see my friend in a West Point cadet's uniform. His girlfriend, now his wife, stands by his side. His youthful, proud face mingles with his wife's tear-streaked face.
