COLD NOVEMBER


The ground wet from the nights rain
All here surrounded by crisscrossing fence
Barbwire defenses to keep in out
That question came to mind often

The grass sloped off from the hill in all directions
The wind blew in constant motion
Not as hard as some of the hearts in the compound
Eyes darkened like the night, without feeling

Emotions had been lost
Kept in control so long
As to be not noticed or exist
Put up a good show of strength

Never let anyone too close
Or they will take advantage as a joke maybe worse
Defiance too, subtle though it may be
Hidden in laughter and a smile turned away

Do not look to deeply into these men
Ask few questions and receive less lies
When are you going home?
Faces light up and true enjoyment

Only in the word home
Away from here
They all wanted to be far from here
Thoughts of home, some not real, memories do fade and never return

Michael V Hechtman Copyright � 2001