Maggie

He shines his boots
He's ready for battle
Not knowing if he'll ever see
Another birthday candle

He leaves his family
Not knowing the rest
But he leaves with assurance
That this is for the best

His wife struggles
To keep three hungry mouths fed
At night she feels his comfort
By sleeping on his side of the bed

Day after day
She checks the mail
For just a little note
That assures he is well

The seasons had changed
Christmas had come and passed
Praying for his return
After he finished his last task

Every month
Right on schedule
She received his letters
written in pencil

A few weeks had went by
It was the middle of the month atlast
She started to read his letter
But suddenly she collapsed

This note wasn't like the other letters
That she had received in the past
This note was written out of sympathy
"We're sorry but your husband
Didn't make it out of the blast"

After his funeral
She went to check the mail
And there alone it sat
His last letter in detail

"Dearest Maggie,
How I've missed you
Oh and please tell the girls
That daddy loves them too

Maggie, I've seen things
You couldn't imagine
Nothing I'll ever forget
Stuff you couldn't even fathom

One day my love
I'll hold you in my arms
But until then Maggie
Know that you are my lucky charm

My love for you
Won't fit on this page
My love for you
Only grows as I age

We've experienced so much
Through good times and bad
But I wouldn't change it for the world
You've made me who I am

You are my rock
The one whom I depend
You are my soul mate
My one and only
Best friend

I just want to say
Thanks for all you do
My heart is yours for the taking
Maggie, I love you!"

This letter now framed
Comforted by what he had said
She reads it everynight
While on his side of the bed