platoon buddies, both from Oregon
bridges constructed quickly
supported by the other’s chiseled back
awake beneath stars in the foxhole

trading despised rations
stashing treats
time off, lived together
awarded for being a sharp shooter
boyhood stories whisper beyond silent walls

you believed as God believes
you would know each other forever
war robbed
innocent thoughts
now a soldier, men who become orders
respect grew, you chose one another

Private Bain and Private Cox
dreams struck by lightning
shatter
soldiers contain civilian hearts
and bleed for
male friendship surrendered

bereaved mourner and beloved dead
a scared boy’s tears fall
like a man,
quietly he collects them alone

Private Cox, never doubt
true richness of friendship
don’t forget handshakes that smiled
humor of a freckled boy
or your legs, which trembled
as they folded the
American flag for an
eternally
wounded mother

-Esther Bain