post-a-poem, april four

you bring me
stories of school age casualties
bearing badges of bright
new friendships made
enemy territory invaded
and evaded
battles won and lost
in a twenty minute recess
backs patted in a game well played

i sit and take in
your eager smile
and earnest tears
you encompass all of my love
i force your exuberance
to drive away my fears

and you let me
with a smile and a grin...