War At Christmas Poem by Martin O'Neill

A diamond fell from her eye,
Shattered in slow motion
As it collided with the bauble
And vanished into the carpet.
the children paused, took a breath
Gave Mummy a hug, tight.
Went back to the tree, quieter.
The television told of troubles
In the world, far away.

Target in sight, he tensed.
The Landrover slowed, stopped.
Quick dismount and gone,
Into the safety of the shadows
Unseen, alone, trembling.
The vehicle spun away, silence returned.
Quickly along the path,
Heart hammering, silent as death.
Back door open and in, unheard.
Desert dust falling to the floor,
Footprints in the hall, breathing slow.
Heart hammering as he approached
The doorway, surprise is everything
And.....
The child screamed first
The mother fell to the floor
Shock, sobbing, shouting and crying
The world spinning, chaos, madness.
'Daa- - - -ddyy! ! ! ! '
Home.
For Christmas.