Silent he,
the Sentinel Dad,
rampart high,
just beyond emotion's walls-
over which
messages are tossed;
and gifts showered saying
'I love you child.'

But he did not
leave enough
his Provider Post-
manned at all costs
but silently spoke
miming
'don't you know
I love you most? '

And I
in child's reply
could not hear-
craving instead
a child's hug.

I eventually understood
someone must
bear the lonely watch
so that others might sit
the warming fire;

part destiny
part parts played
by Dad
and me.

Love
seen
and unseen;

Father-soldiers born
and then they die.

his duty
stoked on rampart high
wick burned low
each night;

occasionally I see
ember sentiments float by
muted, inarticulate

love's firefly’s extent
just beyond
my child's eye;

so cruel this:

Security
and Love
bent
by circumstance—
both he and I.

Lonnie Hicks

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sentinel-dad/