For my Soldier Daughter

For my Soldier Daughter:

You boarded your plane this misty day,
and offered your assuring smile.
You told me all would be OK.
You’d be back in a short while.

My shadow, clad in camouflage,
waves its happy-anxious happy hands,
bidding you a bon voyage
for your return to hostile sands.

But my shadow hides the pain inside;
It doesn't own my soul.
It anxiously tells the anguished lie
that my smile feigns to control.

You winked and pressed your grinning cheek
to the weeping window of the plane.
Down that cheek a droplet sneaked,
Was that a tear .....or a drop of rain?