Her Eternal Gift

by Joseph Grant

She cried tears of joy when she married her high school sweetheart at the chapel but smiled as she married the man she loved. She smiled when he held her hand and told her he loved her so, but cried because she was worried his platoon would be called up. She cried when he left to war, but smiled when he vowed he'd return one day. She smiled when she received his letter and told her he was safe and had gotten leave, but cried for she was still lonely without her one true love. She cried for she was happy that he was soon due home on leave. He returned as he had promised but not as they had hoped and she cried the day his casket was lowered into his grave, forever burying her smile with him.

6S

Joseph Grant, whose full catalog is here, has been published in over 55 literary reviews and e-zines, such as Byline, New Authors Journal, Howling Moon Press, Hack Writers, New Online Review, Indite Circle and Cerebral Catalyst. Joe is also a 6SC3 Prize Winner.