Those Boots!

A mother looking at her son's combat boots, wondering where they took him.

Those Boots!

I look down at a pair of boots
Muddy and well-worn
Boots that have been around the world
They have seen a lot of things
Some good and some not so good!

I often wondered about the steps they took
What world did they take you to?
With each step, did you wonder
Why were you there
And not home in your bed.

I look into your eyes today
Looking for that boy I knew
That came home tired and beaten
They wore down your spirit
That I once saw within.

You were so young when you left
But upon your return
You had aged within your soul
Your youth was stolen from you
A man stands before me now.

I know the reason for your sacrifice
I recall you telling me.
You needed to make sure
That your family was safe and protected
You wouldn’t have it any other way!

I give my love with hugs
As you smile back at me slowly
It will be a hard road to walk
But I think it will be in tennis shoes
Instead of Those Boots!

Although they have carried you
Through many things
I know you’re stronger today
Than ever before
In Those Boots of yours!

Notes ▶︎

My March entry for "Honoring Our Veterans - Challenge" 
Word count: 212
Line count: 35