A phone call in the evening . . .

A tearful dispute downstairs.

Silence the next morning, await.

Little said, much emotion . . . and memories.



Mama, why'd he leave?

Where is he going, Papa?

Was he unhappy? Sad?

What has happened, Papa?

Papa?

Mama?

Flipping through yellowing leaves

Their happiness is felt.

A feeling of togetherness

. . . Ascending stairs, still lost . . .



Searching emptied drawers,

Scanning the orderly shelves.

Nothing out of the ordinary.

aeAn empty bed, an empty roomae



Silence from full mouths,

A chill from the open door

Glances towards the chair

. . . A dim light outside the door . . .



Again seeing him turn away . . .

A washed face, combed hair.

Young eyes of bravery and eagerness

. . . Papa's uniform in his bag . . .