Two little pairs of bright eyes are anxious to see
What goodies are waiting for them under the tree.
Festive stockings are hanging full to the brim,
Yet the family stands still – waiting for him.

Eagerly their eyes turn to lock on the screen –
Looking for that face they’ve not recently seen.
Without too much delay, they soon get the call.
As his image comes in focus, he hears cries from them all.

They all run to their places, making sure he’s in view;
Their enthusiasm explodes, as if on cue.
He smiles as they unwrap each present in haste:
Hears their laughs, sees their smiles, the delight on each face.

They show him their treasures, hold them up one by one,
And then, expectantly, turn to him when they’re done.
He lays down his weapon, and then with a wide grin
Picks up his care package, opens it, and peers in.

They watch in anticipation as he reveals what’s inside.
Oh, which item is most dear, he could never decide!
For each was chosen especially for him and sent with love
From his sweet little darlings that he thinks the world of.

How his heart longs to be there, to kiss their sweet face,
And to hold them up close in a tender embrace.
Yet from his faraway location that’s in another time zone,
This soldier is grateful for a glimpse of Christmas at home.

As I open the door and step inside,
I glance up, and see her smile wide.
She knows who I am and why I am there,
And whose name is on the package I bear.
For I’ve been there many times before -
To that postal counter at the back of the store.

The transaction is simple, just normal routine,
As I place the box on her weighing machine.
She checks the scale and stamps my form;
I pay, say goodbye, and go back out the door.
My thoughts drift to him, I try to be strong,
As I get in my car, and head back home.

For the package I sent, just like the others,
Is full of love – to a son from his mother.
He is a grown man, of that there is no doubt;
But a mother’s love just never runs out.
My prayers and these packages are all I can send
So I will pour myself into both til the end.

Until he is home with his family once more,
I will go to that counter at the back of the store.
And send love packages to my soldier faraway
In hopes that they somehow brighten his day.

May the Lord watch over you and protect you, my son!
I love you!

Many thanks to Cynthia Gibb for this wonderful poem!

I am a soldier’s mother; I sometimes march alone
And yet I stand with many, trying to be strong.

You may not recognize me as you pass me on the street;
I may look like any other that you by chance might meet.

Like any mother, in a lot of ways I still remain,
But watching my son become a soldier brought a forever change.

For deep down inside where you cannot see
My own battle rages that’s as real as it can be.

It starts with feeling pride in all he has become,
But often worry creeps in before the day is done.

Then there is his absence that never will seem right -
The days without a word that causes many sleepless nights.

And at the sight of another soldier, my heart skips a beat,
For it reminds me of my own, and that face I’d love to see.

And I have a deeper sense of the sacrifices our heroes make;
I can see the hardships on the families – the loneliness, the heartache.

But in spite of all that’s raging, this mother’s love holds strong
As I’m wrapped in God’s peace and comfort and given strength to go on.

© Cynthia Gibbs

They’re full of pride and love, though their words are often few.
Their thoughts may only be spoken through the actions that they do.
They go about their daily tasks but are constantly aware;
And at the sight of their worried mother, a silent hug they’ll share.

They, too, bear the cost of freedom and feel the pain as well
The many fears carried deep inside they truly long to quell.
They may not march or shoulder a gun or stand in uniform,
But the sight  of one who does causes their hearts to warm.

If you happen to fall behind them in a traffic line one day
You may read their signs that they so proudly display.
And when passing other heroes going down the interstate
A big “thumbs up” and whoop they give because they can relate.

They wave their flags high and march beside this Blue Star mother
I so dearly love them, too – my soldier’s sister and brother!

© Cynthia Gibbs

In a pushed-back chair in a crowded room,
Unaware of her surroundings, many assume
Sits a middle-aged mother, phone in hand
Quietly texting as fast as she can.

She had waited all week without a word;
Had cried many times til her vision was blurred.
Then the message “Just want u to know I’m OK”
Appeared on her screen as she sat in the café.

Her friends had smiled as she snatched up her phone -
They knew who it was by the sound of its tone
And the relieved expression that washed over her face -
Their voices grew hushed as they gave her some space.

Now strangers nearby give a puzzled glance
And are wondering why she grabs this chance.
Why she first smiles, and then wipes a tear
And seems so oblivious to all who are near.

But her time is precious and her minutes are few
To send back her replies “I luv & miss u!”
“Do u need anything?” “R ur buddies OK?”
And “Did u have a nice day 2day?”

In no time at all it comes to an end
As she writes one more message and presses “send”.
For her soldier must leave now and be on his way
Where he’s going, he cannot say.

She longs and prays for the day he comes home
But today her love must be sent through her phone.

poem by Cynthia Gibbs

Around the world great happiness tours
And leprechauns have their mischief chores

Keep a keen eye for that Billy Mc Goat
Sneaking off food, all he can tote

And look out for Old Patio Stool
Though he’d avoid you, you’re way too cool

If a leprechaun zoomed pasteurize
He’d not fluster you my precious prize

If you do wear a touch of the green
You may yearn to join a lively scene

My heartfelt love is gleaming for you
You’re my four-leaf clover, my true blue

To your great buddies on this grand day
I send my love with a heart bouquet

God love you GI, I am so proud
I’d yell these words very clear and loud

You’re a treasure of love, on display
I do pray to God, to guide your way

©2010 Roger J. Robicheau

You’re the Valentine beyond each dream
The glow of your heart’s a true sunbeam

Your loving care reaches from afar
When I awake you’re my morning star

These words that I use so want to say
What you mean to me each night, each day

As you serve our country with heartfelt pride
I pray that God will stay near your side

Your loyalty brings a smile to me
And I know your love shines constantly

To those who march with you, they are grand
I send each some love from their homeland

There’s one more thing that I have to write
To keep in your heart both day and night

Please know that my love is so very true
My Brave Valentine, Oh Yes! That’s You!

©2010 Roger J. Robicheau