Life Cycle

While he is gone, she will mow the lawn, on weekends.

While he is gone, she will listen to his voice on the answering machine, repeatedly.

While he is gone, she will skip paid pedicures, until he is coming home.

While he is gone, she will exercise, daily.

While he is gone, she will cook the turkey, put up the tree, and drink a toast to the New Year.

While he is gone, she will pray and attend church, often.

While he is gone, she will read to her children, nightly.

While he is gone, she will keep everything under control, including her fears.

While he is gone, she will sleep in his t-shirt, alone.

While he is gone, she will count the days, again and again.

And when he returns, she will wrap him in her arms

and wait, for his next deployment.

And, the cycle begins again…

- Text by Jennifer Walton.