Mother at War

My vanity is long forgotten,
The mirror tells me so.
I used to care, but I don't anymore;
I'm a mother at war.

I dreamt you were in a black robe,
It was graduation day.
I try to sleep, to dream some more;
I'm a mother at war.

A rifle as your best friend?
I can't imagine you.
No longer the boy, I knew before;
I'm a mother at war.

Each battered bastard's blood shed,
That of an enemy's son.
I once cried a little, but little no more;
I'm a mother at war.

My soul has torn and tattered edges,
relentless conflict rages.
A heart wounded woman, battered and sore,
I'm a mother at war.

Today is my tomorrow,
'Til you walk through that door.
You will be as you are, as I am no more;
For I've been a mother at war.

My vanity is long forgotten.
The mirror tells me so.
I used to care, but I don't, anymore.

(c)Donna Kalinski          2010