Mother And Son Poem by RIC BASTASA

the son that mother has carried on her arms
has become a man
grown up by her milk and lullabies
she looks up to him
when he marries and brings her
grandsons to make her remember
how babies become boys
how her arms have become cradles

the man has become a soldier
and he goes to war by mandate
he fights the wars of his state as his own
his mind circles on mama, wife, children and friends
and patriotism to his country
his valor his word of honor
his choppy cell phone calls
marred by the heavy rain
and howling sounds of dogs
and thunderous sounds of explosions
choppy are his words
like what he is feeling
in the deep heart of the forest
where the war is being raged

meanwhile, in the office of these
state leaders, these politicians
they make the strategies
on a bottle of wine and slice of steak
sometimes laughter and some jokes
in the comfort of his wife and children and friends
in the warmth of his home
and in his garden where the flowers bloom
where the sunshine is warms his
face smooth, untouched by the hands
of the heavy rain in the forest