On Patrol

time intensifies fear present danger
such moments magnify mentality
he    armed    potent    watchful    looking left

then right  then straight ahead   then higher

to riverbank   lower to shrubs    on patrol

with resolute if hesitant tread when

any moment now a mine might explode

bullets might fly     brave comrades fall dead

she patrols   glancing ahead    expectant

apprehensive   awake to all danger

walking from work    through familiar streets
through dusk’s dim light soldier spouse  
                                                         separate

he patrols with measured courageous tread

while she may soon learn she’s widowèd

                                                       © Dick Russell, 2014, 2018