aka
Afghans turning their weapons on our unsuspecting troops...
the last casualty was 20 years old
wrong word
he wasn't a casualty, he was murdered/executed by those he sought to help

Rage filled me at first, then an overwhelming sadness
that nothing changes
War is killing and the killing isn't always on the field of battle

Maybe standing at checkpoint and pouf! the hidden bomb evaporates you
steals the future you planned
children you should have had
or
children growing up without their Daddy
Dad and Mom standing at the grave site, wondering how the hell, why the hell
living in hell
knowing their son, their daughter died at the hands of those hoping
to meet their 72 virgins as a reward for their cowardice...maybe those virgins are old and ugly and full of tsk! tsk! ya fell for it.

Going into a friendly village, thinking of a shave and warm towels softening the skin of your face
so badly needing a few minutes of relaxation
The cost was very high...
the life blood flowing from the razor across your throat
was WTF the last thought?
That was 'Nam

name of the war doesn't really matter
centuries ago it was the same
find uniquely surprising ways to kill kill kill the enemy
keep doing it and High Alert becomes 24 hours a day
no rest
frigging necessity to have "guardian angels" watching while you sleep
do you ever really let your guard down
still sleeping one eye open, one hand on the weapon of choice?

those who see this day in, night brings the mares
those who sit at their desks wondering why we aren't stronger
smug in their safety
their worst nightmare is daybreak coming with a hangover/ will traffic be heavy/ whose *** will I kiss today
Not all of them, enough though to sling the guilt and knowing ? Ignoring ?
that it hits our hearts and doubles the the ache

Moving on again
Shared my thoughts
my confusion
my grief

Suck it up and function

Not In Peace,
Catherin