I remember these things of long ago for what it’s worth,

It all began twenty one years after my earth born birth,

Difficulty remembering blocks memories of when I’d fight,

Yet I easily recall night when I would hold your photo tight,

Laying still in the pouring rain holds no memory I find dear,

But I remember trying to avoid death as I filled with fear,

As the notice of draft flashed in my head I’d hold you tight,

Your photograph was my sole comfort each and every night,

How I wanted to hold you tight if ever I’d again be near,

The biggest fear I knew was you wanting me to disappear,

But once again I would do the same in the darkness of night,

I’d hold you near to my heart until I would again feel right,

Many times the photo has been reprinted as it’s getting worn,

The original I keep hidden as it would hurt if ever it was torn,

My greatest treasure in life is your photo I hold each night,

To stare into your eyes brings relief and moments of delight,

How I miss you as I hold your photograph next to me,

Salty teardrops trace my face making it difficult to see,

I fell so deeply in love with you on the very first night,

Never have I doubted my loving you or felt it wasn’t right,

There is no doubt that my main purpose in life is to love you,

When I came through that window I knew what I had to do,

I became obsessed and the next night I held a photo tight,

The obsession was you as I prayed for you every night,

While training in Dallas you were always in my heart,

Then the draft returned me home to do my patriotic part,

While home on leave a moment of tender love was right,

Your kiss awoke emotions felt as I held your photo tight,

Evening shadows brought fear as I yearned to hold you,

A moment too far away in time and in travel distance too,

There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for a chance to hold you tight,

The beauty within a photograph got me through the night.

The end. I love you Patti