He Came Home
by Garrett Johnson
I was afraid...frightened...nervous
Thinking about all the terrible things that could have happened to him.
I thought he might be different in every way.
I wanted to see the changes in him, but then I didn’t.
After enduring so much, how could he be the same person?
Would I recognize him?
How hard had the army been for him?
How much pain did he endure?
And then I saw him standing there, so proud, so straight.
Who was this person?
I saw his fresh Navy blue military Uniform
I saw the badges and medals shining on his chest
His dark brown eyes burned like fire.
I felt anxious to meet this man that was my brother.
He had changed so much, but it was a good change
He sounded different, more sure.
Gone was the self doubt and questions.
He looked different, bigger.
Gone are the thin arms and legs of yesterday
He was built like a truck.
His calmness reminded me of a clear mountain lake.
He was kinder and wanted to know about my life.
He was more caring and thoughtful
I was nervous meeting this new person.
Humans are afraid of change.
I was afraid...frightened...nervous
He hugged me
And then I realized
He was still my brother who I loved
