The Soldier's Girl

Raindrops leap in rebound
From mud-red puddles,
Smattering rust-colored spots
On a pair of white high-heeled
Shoes strapped around slender
Ankles
Which totter on tiptoe to
Plant a smudge of
"Passion pink" lipstick
On a tall soldier's white cheek.

Impatient wind whips a crimson petal
From rose
Clutched
By slim, trembling fingers.
Cruel thorn bites a finger and
The first drop
Of blood
Shed
For a war
Poses, quivering,
On the hand that waves goodbye.