Good-byes

Quivering lips and watery eyes
Around his waistcoat her little fingers are clenched
No words are willing to help her bid her final goodbyes
“Don’t go!” she cries in her handkerchief already drenched

He gently pushes her away
But every time she rushes back again
And every time she wails out her dismay
With anger he disguises his pain

Father and daughter
How touching it must have been
Daughter and soldier
Such a heart-wrenching

He steps in the train
Giving way to his tears
No greater could have been his pain
None of her worst nightmares could match her present fears

As the train moves further away
She wishes he might change mind
Hopes he might decide to stay
And he cries in his seat, not daring to look behind

Knowing he might never see her again...