Alive Another Day

Her father served in Vietnam
Sometimes a year he would be gone,
Come back and visit a short time,
And leave again for very long.

Just ten years old she went to school
On base as always was the rule.
Hawaiian sun was bright and clear,
But in her heart the world was cruel.

When fathers died, then soldiers came
To visit school and call a name,
Pick up a child and take her home,
To be with family in her pain.

In terror with her small fists balled
She hoped her name would not be called.
With pounding heart as soldiers stepped
Past her room down another hall.

A thousand children froze in fear,
While steps of soldiers passed them near.
Then one poor babe let out a cry.
A wail, a scream reached every ear.

The little girl’s soul was dark
While cruelty around was stark.
She knew her father was alive
Another day, and in her heart.