Homecoming

I’ve been edging toward your return since last Saturday.

There’s no question that serving as you have is selfless

in a way. When you flew out in 08 to put your life

on the line for this country and its changing ideals,

Katelyn, God bless her, hardly knew that you had gone.

But she grew to feel it. From me, perhaps. I can’t reckon

if the emails and videos and Iraqi Xmas gifts helped her

touch your presence or your long absence. Anyway

I told you how she salutes each and every American flag,

the ones in the neighborhood and the one at the mall.

Believe it or not, she’s turned six and grown so tall

and graceful. She’s pushing her boundaries, says her dad

is on her side, it doesn’t matter if he’s so far away.

You know, she can read most of the Berenstain Bears

by herself. Did I tell you? Our pastor and our flock

have changed minds about things I thought were certain.

I hardly know anymore what to tell Kate is really real.

Now here you are in your kitchen again with your wife.

Anyway, I don’t know where to start to confess

about what’s gone through me since you were away.