Flowers from War

Bring back flowers from the war,
even if they don't bloom.

I'll keep them pressed between the pages
of all the letters that you sent.

I don't want my country's —
if they send you home
wrapped in it.

Call me selfish,
but I wanted you to stay.
When you left,
I wanted to hear your laugh
from the other side of the sofa,
in place of hearing it
across the border.

I wish I could've fallen for someone else,
but I didn't.
I wish I could've stopped worrying,
but I can't.

I wish I didn't have to stand here,
waving goodbye,
knowing you might not come
from where you're going.