Day 762

Ceasefire III, Day 28

They have walked this whole day
to reach the place
that was home.  Some
needed to carry others.  Some
needed to rest an hour, 
two hours, along the way.
they’ve walked.  They’ve counted
their dead, those who set out
with them when they first
fled.  Those who died
of starvation, bombing, fire.
Who died of weakness.  Who
of grief. They have walked,
knowing the place they’d return to
was not the place they’d left.
Not knowing whether their legs
could withstand it, whether rain
would stop them. Hunger. Snipers.
Whatever they’d find, this
was their home.  Whatever
remains, the stones have memories.