Soldier Of War Poem by Gianfranco Aurilio

"Hold me
for just one more night
before I leave
to become a soldier of war
and don't cry tonight.
Keep your tears
and sow them
by the lime-tree
in the shade of which
I loved you.
I will come back to pick the shoots
and adorn your hair
before the fruit
of your womb is born."
Years went by
shoots blossomed
and every day a child
comes and picks a leaf
to put it under his pillow
and fall asleep saying
"Good night, Dad."