We do not know

“I can’t even imagine” the wise one once said
And I could never either
And that makes all the difference.

We do not know

What it is like…
To get the call.
The call of Fall
Jump into the jumpsuit
Hop into the cockpit
Lace up the boots
Trudge through the barren life
The desert of humanity
Set up camp in nowherE
Dine on rations…

I was walking with ghosts when
the Doorbell of my conscience rang…
But it was just the doorbell
And the pizza delivery man
The comfort and reward of another
Pointless day

somewherE else
A father grapples the insomniac eternaL
A heart is ripped open
Ventricles of vanished dreams
Vacations never taken
Chambers of concerts unheard
Concrete memorial maybe
A heart is ripped open
A father crumbles to the ground in tears
somewherE else a grandfather he is not…

Fast! Get out of here!
For a goD unknown we/they fight
Johnny says we should not
And Jane says we should
Regardless of these opinions
We’d say thanks if we could

We do not know

We do not know
What it is like to train for the unknowN
To walk through the heat
Fifty pounds strapped to our backs wearing on our feet
Wondering if this cave or that one will come to life
Wondering if this photo is my last longing gaze at my wife
Wondering if my last condiment will be sand
Wondering if my last grasp a camouflaged hand
Wondering if my last words will go unheard
Wondering if my last witness an aloof buzzard
Wondering if nowherE is my final resting place

Our envy is your camaraderie
Perhaps you’re never really alone
God dressed in camouflage
Trying to steer the Odyssey home

Long here the days of restlessness begin
My heart a winged prayer that’s void of sin

Take flight, climb high, please guide my soldier friend
My wish, be safe, till we laugh long again