Homecoming

My Army wife
beloved partner
best friend

You stand beside me now
like you always have
since that day you fell
in love with your lieutenant

Throughout the decades
you have shared it all

Pinned on ranks
mess dress balls
sewn on patches
back porch haircuts

Quiet defeats
aching separations
joyous homecomings
and unseen wounds

All the while
my deep and whispered
wellspring of strength
always loving steadfast
never giving up on me

After these thirty years
of peace and war
salutes and sacrifice

this old soldier
comes home to you now
for the last time

love-struck
humbled
and grateful