As I Sit In My Living Room

"Protector" Photography by Susie Clevenger

To visit her wonderful photography blog click here.

Linking with the Sunday Muse for Muse # 57
Come join us!

"All gave some, 
 some gave all."
~Billy Ray Cyrus

We look back past the bullets ricochet

And our hearts see

Fear cloaked in the armor of bravery

You stepped out in harm’s way

Heart pounding louder than a bomb

But my eyes were spared the gruesome details

Sitting in my living room

My brother’s blood did not splatter

Upon my face

My legs still unshaken

 still intact

no throat can express it

thunder knows what it knows

and we can only wait for the lightening flash

some memories should be unremembered

but a soldier somewhere

packs for home

carrying all those memories

he brings with shrapnel

yet leaving behind a leg

he tells himself that he is lucky

and hopes someday he will believe it

for his fellow soldier

will be laid to rest

underneath clover grass

near the shade of concrete angels 

as I freely sit in my living room.

©Carrie Van Horn 2019

What Injures and What Saves

"War Horse and Peace Horse"  by Sue Halstenberg

Linking with the Sunday Muse for Muse # 42


Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. ~Lao Tzu

Love is a beautiful horse that only a few truly ride

It takes courage to try to tame it and hold it by your side

You cannot be blind nor selfish, you must look it in the eyes

And be willing to give it the food it needs for the journey’s ride

Love is a beautiful horse that some see but do not embrace

They do not appreciate the colors and wonder upon its face

And those that fear the loss are not willing to take the chance

For love is a risk in falling and getting hurt for any heart of man

Love is a beautiful horse that when ridden there is no turning back

One never wants to let go once the feel of freedom is within their grasp

But many a heart has been broken and many a sad song has been played

For love in all it’s true beauty is a wild ride that can both injure as well as save. 

©Carrie Van Horn 2019