I squeeze his little body to me In an involuntary cuddle. I smile at his sister in the morning. We enjoy our time together, giggling and cuddling. I’m leaving a happy family To go on with their lives While I pick up the threads on mine, Across the world. Why, then, should separation Be such a heart-wrenching ache? Why should I mar moments of happiness, When I am watching brother playing with sister, With thoughts of not being able To see the minutiae of daily life In their home, and share them? All too soon, I will be back with them; I am sure that the bonds will remain strong And I can take up where I left off. Let me take an aspirin To cure my aching heart… Let me not dwell on the days That we will have to spend apart.