you never bothered to cry,
you knew you were on a mission.
circling troops brave with their smiles,
hoping, at best, to preserve the existing.

everyone hoped you'd understand

what a sight you must've been!
all blue and hidden from view.
an early birth with full-term love,
that your mother wrapped around you.

everyone wanted to be there

even bravery can fall short,
when you're a tiny soldier.
the world outside is just too much,
solemnly, the doctors warned her.

everyone held their breath

twice the ocean in both lungs,
everyone hoped you'd swim!
a tiny hole in the place of love,
everyone prayed would mend!

guardians in white tried to soothe
and caress with a plastic touch,
diligently working to save you
for the soldiers that loved you so much.

everyone hoped it would be enough

you were given a tent as shelter,
while machines loaned you breath.
dispensed in hypnotic rhythms
to the ebb and flow of your chest.

vigilant mama in her bed by the tent,
more than anything, she wanted inside.
to play it safe, keeping germs at bay,
she went there only in her mind.

everyone else could only watch, and cry

your line of attackers never slowed.
everyone wanted to help you fight.
give us each one of your problems,
and together we'll pull through the night.

but where oceans departed, invaders could reach
and everyone knew you were tired
of making stands on pinky-sized legs
but for everyone's sake, one more try?

and try you sure did!
a soldier like your mom and dad.
taken from your tent in a foreign land,
when the guardians' guardian
said "This is the end."

Only a few minutes to live,
you were given the yet unknown.
the one who shared your every moment,
took you gently, lovingly in her arms.

she slew the enemies of your peace,
imparting a lifetime's love sensation,
that she knew you would take with you,
to a soldier's final destination.

thirty minutes out, a lifetime for you.
mama's heartbeat quelled your fears.
then you chose the time, and you closed your eyes,
and mama could finally choose tears.

on this vast world's other side,
everyone's Gunner has died.

The Eclectic Pen - if there's a heaven, i'll bet Gunner's there

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