The Five Words Poem by Richard Levine

The Five Words

If you tell me, Thank you for your service,
and I think you are sincere, especially
if I think you are sincere, I will tell you

some dark particulars of that service,
and once come to light like a stain
on porcelain, say, it will spot your heart

and blot the smile from your child's face forever.
See, the way it happens, when bad happens,
it's fast, you're slow and become its keeper,

carrying it home and to your grave,
and no thanks will bless those deeds.

Richard Levine