Soft droplets of rain pelted the window pane
With more strength than they appeared to contain
Soothing music played quietly in the background of the old home
Which was built with pillars and style similar to the fallen Rome.
A wrinkled old man sat idly in his chair.
It seemed to all that he needed additional care.
Nonetheless, his fragile exterior
Hid all that made his life superior
Not in a haughty sense
But in combat and patriotic defence
For what many did not know
Was the hidden medals that he did not show.
Bravery , valour, he had won them all
But at what cost… could he still stand tall.
Could he be confident in his conscience and soul
His guilt ridden mind fought for damage control.
He like many others had killed in battle and war
But it was the time he saw the young boy's eyes that sureness had fled his door.
He had pulled the trigger in the name of his country and nation
But could he ever understand those who looked at him with admiration.
Did they understand and realize what he had done?
When he had been in possession of that fateful gun?
The man who had seen what many dream not
Closed his eyes as he remembered that shot
The workers around him looked with unwarranted pity
What they didn’t know was his inner strength was built like a fortified city
For a while quiet was within the senior home
Lives led, families made, minds left to peacefully roam.
When suddenly a joyous jingle was heard
A young man and woman entered without a word
Remembering eyes brightened upon the old mans’ face
As he saw past them to the little boy coming at a race
He opened his arms wide
As his heart swelled with pride
Towards his son and daughter and their beautiful child
And with a thunderous laugh his face split into a grin as he smiled.