Inside the car he sat and gazed alone.

The train was roaring, people chatting, but

The clamor could not pierce his thoughts that flew

Ahead to reach his journey’s end. He sighed.

“Been here before?” A voice said from behind.

His head jerked ‘round—the voice rasped out a laugh.

“I didn’t mean to scare ya, soldier boy,”

 (For soldier boy he was), “rest easy, see?”

The solder looked and saw the aging man

Who spoke, and blushing slightly, smiled a bit.

“Old habits die hard.” said he with a shrug.

The old man’s eyes were knowing. “That they do.” 

“So, where ya headin’? Do ya know this place?”

The soldier turned back in his seat. “I did.”

He answered briefly. Undeterred, his new

Acquaintance tried again.“ Ya got a home?”

“A fam’ly or a sweetheart watin’ here?”

The soldier drew a breath and closed his eyes.

“Not here. Not anymore.” was all he said.

A lull ensued; the whistle wailed. Again,

The soldier spoke. “ You know, it’s not what I

Had planned when over there. Thought I’d come home

And leave the war behind, but now. . .”  He paused.

“Another war is waiting for me here.”

“It’s diff’rent, but the same.”  The train was still.

The other trav’lers vanished, but the men

Remained in silence. The old man stretched out

His hand.  “May God be with you as you fight.”

The soldier grasped the hand, “He always is,”

And strode away to face his battle ground.