A Letter to Billy

Hi ya son, it’s me your dad.

Send me some more pictures, they make me glad.

Just a few more weeks and I’ll be home,

You and mom will never again be alone.

You were only four when I went away,

I remember it clearly, it was a rainy day.

Your mother taught you how to salute, you did it well,

I hoped you didn’t notice as my eyes began to swell.

I love you and mommy more than you’ll ever know,

But my country needed me, I had to go.

I guess I have to call you Bill, now that you have grown.

You’re no longer that little kid I left at home.

Don’t ever think I don’t love you, I love you so much Bill,

I carry a picture of you and mommy, as I always will.

When mommy misses me, try to make her not feel so sad,

Just tell her in three more weeks you can go and pick up dad.

Love you Son.

Michael D. Monfrooe

1986