This poem was written last summer when my husband, who is the in National Guard, was called to active duty to serve in Kuwait (yes, we are still guarding Kuwait). I have a son and a daughter and my son was so upset the day all the men left on the jet from the Air Force base and this is what was done afterwards that day.

"Our Sad Pride"
6/1/99
our hearts were heavy
but the men reassured us all they were ready
our hugs were long
still, to us, this all felt so wrong
our tears ran down our face
we felt like we were trying to beat the clock or win a race
a loss of words, but wanting to say so much
as my son stood there crying, he asked me "what's daddys rush?"
we all tried to hold it in & look brave
hoping you all seen us, we tried to wave
all the while thinking how quickly this day came
hoping that when you get back all will be the same
we are all so proud of our men
for these are our husbands, fathers, sons, & our friends