She was a soldier’s wife all those years
So many brave farewells while hiding fears
Both mother and father when he was away
Always busy, cheerful and waiting, waiting, day by day
A cycle of postings and shifting family to places unknown
Tearful farewells to familiar places where friendships had grown
The tests on love with moving and organising children and pets
Arriving at a lonely, empty house and no sign of the furniture yet
Gloomy small married quarters she quickly made so bright
Love and laughter in her new home, be it day or night
Always enduring the tests and demands of military life
Never complaining, for she was a soldier’s wife
Ready to lend a helping hand to new arrivals or those in strife
It was part of the creed of being a warrior’s wife
A breed of their own and always so close in thick and thin
Such was their friendship they could have been next of kin
After long separations, such joy to greet him home
He was safe and she with her brood were no longer alone
Until once more she would bravely smile as he waved hooray
Then count the months and weeks until that wonderful magic day
Time marches on and a new family arrives at a well-used gate
Nothing’s changed, there still the same fear and the long, long wait
Always the constant demands associated with military life
Is it any wonder why old warriors salute each and every army wife?
George Mansford © November 2016
Another gem from Colonel G