War Poems - Little Jesse

JUBILANT FATHER His face is like a sun, warms the moon beside him. She´s grown full; tonight begins the waning. The tide pulls through her very bones, her form aches as each wave crests. The earth pulse, heavy, blood warm within her Beats new chords, old sun god chants. "You are the first mother and the last, all spring flesh has traveled through you." Aztec plumed and gold beaded, your priest kneels at the holy alter, gathers each salt pearl shed, nectar for his sacrament. You are the temple, we pilgrims swept through the gates, bent figures know the scent and petals of your presence, spread our arms to harvest blossoms, and your priest, sun struck, kneels beside you.

- CRISTINE McAULIFFE

War Poem

Little Jesse

© By Emily Gamache

Little Jesse was only 5
When I met him for the first time.
We became fast friends that day,
Outside playing on the slide.
Never would I have guessed,
What would happen
To our innocent little selves.

Little Jesse was only 10
When I first told him my plan.
We decided to grow up
And have the same job.
Never would I have guessed
What would become of our childish plan.

Little Jesse was only 18
When I first made up my mind.
I dropped out
And of course he followed.
Never would I have guessed
What would become
Of our foolish decision.

Little Jesse was only 19
When I signed that dotted line,
With him right there signing along.
Never would I have guessed
What I would have to sacrifice
Because of my choice.

Little Jesse was only 21
When we were first shipped out,
With our bags over our shoulders.
Never would I have guessed
What would become
Of our lives.

Little Jesse was only 23
When the bullet went though him that day.
With his last breath, he told me he loved me.
Never would I have guessed
That I would loose
My best friend and only love.

Little Jesse should have been 60
With this coming fall,
And I should be right by his side.
Never would I have guessed
That I would never love another
Like little Jesse.
He stole my heart
And has yet to return it,
But I don't think I want him to.

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