Waiting *Inspired by Irene Hunt's Across Five Aprils.*
As the long hours of night dwindle on,
I wait;
Wait for the time to come.
Candlelight fades to the darkness.
Ma and Pa by my side.
Jenny tends the fire aimlessly.
I rise, needing something to pass my time.
My heart beats faster,
Faster.
My palms grow shaky.
My want grows within me as though I were a loaded canon,
Sparks flying.
Knock, knock at the door.
Feet stamp the floor as Ed Turned enters.
Bad news.
Brother Tom is dead.
Blackness clouds my eyes.
Not wanting the truth to come.
Denial.
I look to Jenny, she looks back.
Ma falls into her chair.
Pa looks as though he could faint... I wish I could die along with him.
Him
The one who thought so much of this great war.
If only they were here --
With me --
I wouldn't feel so bad now if they tease me for some stupid reason,
I would even be pleased.
If only they were here.
Now we sit and wait;
Wait for the day to come
When more sad news of death befalls us.
Waiting,
Waiting for the time to come.
