CHOREOGRAPHY OF PAIN

Back from the war,

back in the States

they're re-learning to walk,

and cursing the Fates.

The halfback, the goalie,

a reader, a dad ~

all concentrate deeply

on trying to be glad.

Trying to be happy

that they are still here;

when some of their comrades

won't be home this year.

Struggling and walking

(balance is hard)

wondering if they'll be able

to play in the yard

with the son or the daughter

they'd left behind

reminded that appearance

isn't how you're defined.

"Just one more step"

is the therapist's refrain.

They are the

directors and lead dancers

onstage, in the "Choreography of Pain"

©Copyright December 2, 2005 by Christina

For the Wounded