By the Campfire

Amado Picardal

She sits by the campfire on a mountain top

Cradling her armalite in her arms.

The fire is dying out, except for the flickering embers.

Her comrades are all sound asleep.

She gazes at the city down below.

The flickering lights beckon her as she remembers

The child she cradled long ago in her arms

Wondering if he is peacefully asleep.

How much longer? She asks.

How much longer?