Down Different Roads Poem by Chris Embrick

Ten years ago we were high school sweethearts
Nine years ago we went our separate ways
Eight years ago I enlisted to get away from life
Seven years ago you became my best friends wife
Six years ago I came home from Vietnam
Five years ago you were divorced, a single mom
Four years ago you finished college, moved away
Three years ago rehab occupied my days
Two years ago I couldn't shake the post war stress
One year ago I was at my worst, you were at your best

Two days ago circumstance crossed our lives again
We spent the day talking about old times and friends
Life took us down different roads than we had planned
You helped put my wheel chair back in the van

Two days ago I never let you see the tears
My heart's held on to love through all these years

Last night you and I were king and queen of the prom
My island of peace between the demons and napalm.