Place for Eight

His voice does not echo through the home,

He has answered the call and taken leave.

Never so far has he gone off to roam,

He goes to defend what he does believe.

*

The news comes suddenly and is so grave,

Leaving his mother with sadness and tears.

They tell a story of how he was brave,

Giving little comfort to her worst fears.

*

Only in photos will he ever smile,

Only from memories will laughter ring.

Not today, and not for a long while,

Till the clouds part, and we hear the birds sing.

*

As we bow our heads there is an empty plate.

Around the oak table that use to sit eight.