Love Poem: Returning From War
Michael Degenhardt Avatar
Written by: Michael Degenhardt

Returning From War

The lantern sits burning bright on the table by the window
The old farm house shows signs of life and need of repair
There! A shadow of the owner passes by the broken screen
You can make out that the person is older, alone with despair

The house, not in the best of condition, seems in disarray
As shutters are falling off hinges, screens have big holes
But, yet, there is something welcoming, almost beautiful
As the lady, reaches and turns out the lantern for the night

She stayed here for many years even after the war of the states
Some say she is the ghost of a war bride waiting for her love
But, I, standing here looking up, after all these many years away
Know she is alive and has kept a light burning for my safe return

She, yes, she is the hero of this story, the perpetuator of love
For it is harder to keep love after time, years long separated
She did it and now I come back upon finally remembering 
That this is my home, she held my heart and kept it for me