I Was Not Afraid

When they stopped my little daughter
from seeing the mound of the dead,
I was not afraid,
because you were there.

When at dead of night
their shrill phones rang,
and vulgar threats were hurled,
I was not afraid,
because you were there.

When they stoned my car
as I drove out that day,
I was not afraid,
because you were there.

And that early morning
when they bombed my office,
I was not afraid
because you were there.

But you chose to leave
and I am afraid,
of the gaunt years
that stretch ahead.