The ride to the airport was nerve-raking silent,
He wanted to make things right, but his lips were utterly defiant;
Marching in the swarm, her worries to him were innate,
Shuffling awkwardly, the pair located the gate.
Forcing him to stare into her tear-streaked eyes, she asked directly, "Are you going there to die?",
He shook his head minutely, trying to avoid her eyes;
Her bottom lip began to uncontrollably quiver,
With the finality that that nod delivered.
"I love you, son," she sniffed, as they tightly held onto one another,
He forced her to release him, turning to depart, he whispered, "Good-bye...Mother....";
She watched her only child disappear forever into the crowd,
Because in his mind, dying overseas was the only way his stubborn, disappointed father would EVER be proud.
