THE REUNION
by Rachel Firth

Autumn leaves rustling, together to the appointed place, the old warriors
come.

Pilgrims, drifting across the land they fought to preserve.

Where they meet is not important anymore.

Greetings echo across a lobby.

Hands reach out and arms draw buddies close.

Embraces, that as young men they were too uncomfortable to give, too shy to
accept so lovingly.

But deep within these Indian Summer days, they have reached a greater
understanding of life and love.

The shells holding their souls are weaker now, but hearts and minds grow
vigorous, remembering.

On the table someone spreads old photographs, a test of recollection.

And friendly laughter echoes at shocks of hair gone gray or white, or merely
gone.

The rugged slender bodies lost forever.

Yet they no longer need to prove their strength.

Some are now sustained by one of "medicine's miracles," and even in this
fact, they manage to find humor.

The women, all those that waited, all those who loved them, have watched the
changes take place.

Now, they observe and listen, and smile at each other, as glad to be
together as the men.

Talk turns to war and planes and foreign lands.

Stories are told and told again, reweaving the threadbare fabricate of the
past.

Mending one more time the banner of their youth.

The hear the vibrations, feel the shudder of metal as engines whine and
whirl, and planes come to life.

These birds with fractured wings can be seen beyond the mist of clouds, and
they are in the air again, chasing the wind, feeling the exhilaration of
flight close to the heavens.

Dead comrades, hearing their names spoken, wanting to share in this time, if
only in spirit, move silently among them.

Their presence is felt and smiles appear beneath misty eyes.

Each, in his own way may wonder who will be absent in another year.

The room grows quiet for a time.

Suddenly an ember flames to life. Another memory burns.

The talk may turn to other wars and other men, and of futility.

So, this is how it goes. The past is so much present.

In their ceremonies, the allegiances, the speeches and the prayers, one
cannot help but hear the deep eternal love of country they will forever
share.

Finally, it is time to leave.

Much too soon to set aside this little piece of yesterday, but the past
cannot be held too long, for it is fragile.

They say "Farewell"..."see you another year, God willing."

Each keeps a little of the others with him forever.