a storm brought cold,
an everlasting damp
to those corners you hide in
for warmth only to find them
not so secure,
they had climbed for an hour
back to the checkpoint,
road quiet
having to remain and
be vigilant,
headlights pushed the edges of dark,
the two soldiers moved forward,
bolts in position
rifles held ready,
far from barracks and city,
they could be trapped by the snow
that now fell,
old station wagon slowed,
pointing rifles
elderly man placed arm across the
chest of his wife,
simple protection,
one guard shook his head
nodding to the rear,
inside bundles of cloth husks of corn
simple trade,
snow began to increase
thickening on everything it fell
they could make it difficult for them
to prolong a stress and threat
but no,
cold quickly made them compassionate
and as the pick up left,
felt as though they had done right
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