Letter To A War Widow

Shawn Chadwick Sackman - December 2008

Letter To A War Widow

With warmest regards and the saddest lament
I write this small note with the best of intent

The newspaper’s account of your husband’s death
Made me feel as if I was short of breath

As the son of a Veteran who twice went to war
I’ve often wondered, what my life would have had in store

If my father had not returned home one day
And I had to share my grief on public display

I was not born the first time he went away
And was just ten when he left again, somehow feeling betrayed

I didn’t quite understand why he had to leave
It took a while to learn not to grieve

I read that you have two little boys, just six and eight
I can’t imagine what you say to make their restless dreams abate

My mind used to play out my greatest fear
Misplacing his last tape recording, saying his coming home date was near

On return tapes to him, I played guitar and talked too
Trying to make him feel like he was home, even if untrue

I write this note to help me remember
That even though my father returned in December

Many that go off to war, do not
And sons, daughters, spouses and families are caught

In a process of grieving that abates only with time
It takes as long as it does, there is no magical chime

To help you and your sons with your journey that I feared most
Enclosed is a contribution to their foundation host

Not at all a fair trade, just to help provide for their well being
Please tell them that their father’s love for them is still all seeing

Life without dogs

Shawn Chadwick Sackman

Life without dogs

What is it about dogs that make us love them so
I suspect a life without them is not the full show

Dogs are there for us, whenever we need
Without judgment, or intent to mislead

Their lives seem so simple, no stress, or strident demands
Eating, sleeping, playing, waiting simply to obey our commands

Even when times seem most intense
Just watching a dog sleep can help make some sense

Of things that are important, and those that are not
When dogs are up and alerted, that’s when one should possibly be fraught

What do you think gives them their sometimes fitful dreams?
I’ve often wondered, what is a dog extreme?

Maybe they worry for us, and that’s what frightens them so
Or it may just be a chase that was prematurely let go

Their lives can provide perspective on what really matters
Unconditional friendship and love that doesn’t leave one in tatters

If you’re looking for solace, some piece of mind
Look no further than a dog, a companion so inclined

Max, Woody, Huck, Bodie, Boomer and Jake
All wonderful companions through life and some heartache

I wouldn’t change a thing, grateful they were part of our being
Their memory sustains us when we’re having trouble seeing

So I suggest, a life without dogs is less than it should be
Maybe think about a faithful companion, and see what it could be