Here Alone

Marmee
 'My dear husband...'
 Write a letter, be inventive.
 Tell you everything is fine.
 Be attentive to the distance.
 Send my love with every line.
 Every word should bring you closer
 And caress you with its tone.
 Nothing should remind you
 That I am here alone.
 I can't tell you what I'm feeling.
 I can't talk about the war.
 How the pealing of the church bells
 Brings the battle to our doors.
 I don't know which part is harder,
 What I know or what's unknown,
 Or raising little women
 When I am here alone.
 Counting Days,
 Praying for news,
 Is this the life
 We meant to choose?
 Do you know how much I miss you
 At this hour of the day?
 How I wish you were the twilight
 Come to take my fears away.
 Can I manage four young women?
 I'm not certain I know how.
 Will I be there when they need me?
 Do I fail them even now?
 I wish that you were with me,
 Wish that I could bring you home.
 The night seems so much longer
 Now that I am here alone.