Earth’s Cradle

Earth’s Cradle – by Rosa Meronek

Maria’s tears didn’t come. 

She should be crying. But, she was numb.

In the distance, rifles cracked.

Someone across the cemetery was being laid to rest.

Her baby boy dreamed of being a soldier. 

Of being brave, like Daddy had been –

A solemn bugle played on the wind as his little casket was lowered into its cradle.