your next breath

when the battle is over

and all that is left

is the dust from the artillery

now quiet

and burying those who have been lost

 

when the battle is over

and they say a prayer

over the grave of the one you loved

 

when the battle is over

and you’ve lost the fight

to keep the one accused

alive

 

when it’s all over

and you find yourself numb

and surprised that you are still here

what will you do with your next breath

 

the one you were sure would never come

when the worst happened

 

and still it comes

and asks you,

what now?