A Glass Heart

My love gave me a little glass heart,
Red peppered with gold streaks.
It was fastened to a stretch of gold silk
and then was fastened around my neck.

My love said it was mine to keep.
The little glass heart was theirs
and I had to look after it when they left.
"Protect Earth. Fight for her."

My love said it differently:
Fight for me, was the way.
A little glass heart weighs
So much now, heavy on my soul.

My love left with no tears.
Strong and brave and refusing
To cry. I cried and I cry now.
My glass heart is fragile.

My love is mentioned by name.
Carol Rawley, presumed KIA
Gone forever. Never returning.
The glass heart is cold and hard.

My love was strong and so remains.
I am not afraid to cry.
Glass hearts are shared all around.
Men and women. We all shatter.