Day 484/Ceasefire Day 14

Even the donkey is dead,
killed in a shelling.  Patient,
stalwart donkey
who pulled the cart
loaded with all their things, with
other things too:  what food there was,
carried in the cart to those
too weak or wounded
to get it themselves.  Uncomplaining
donkey, pulling the cart
day and night, in heat, 
freezing rain. Tell me: why
should even this animal
have been murdered?  He
was the boy’s friend 
after other friends
were killed.  He was there
waiting each morning,
humble, willing.  Lowering his head
to let the boy harness him.  Hungry
like the boy.  Thirsty
like the boy.  Like
the boy, in pain.