Scattered photographs

An antiwar poem

wave from the train —
     pressed uniform,
          he'll be home soon.

birthday cake wishes —
     balloons,
          freshly blown.

enlistment ceremony —
     proud parents,
          sit alone.

first day of school —
     fashionable clothes, 
          awkwardly worn.

flag draped casket —
     a hero, 
          they said.

senior prom —
     flushed faces,
          crooked corsage.

ultrasound pictures —
     fresh tears, 
          faded film.

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