Diamondback Hill

They are clearing the land
On Diamondback Hill
Pushing over dirt and sand,
Shoveling trees from the old mound.

Wiping sweat and spitting dirt,
"Woman, will you stay with me
On Diamondback Hill?"
She just nodded and said, "We'll see."

Memories so vivid
Sweet honeysuckle entwined in her hair
Lying in the grass on Diamondback Hill.
Names dancing in her head.

Cuddling a baby boy, watching him
Walk the dirt road on Diamondback Hill.
River water filling buckets to the brim
Planting flowers until she couldn't feel.

Three years and a day went by
A young boy stood by her side
As strangers took their hats off.
Wearing shrapnel in his skin,
They buried him on Diamondback Hill.

Rocking on a clapboard porch,
She watched little ones play,
As she still missed him
On Diamondback Hill.