For the first time in a long time, I’m glad to see the media focusing on our veterans and doing stories about their sacrificed. I want to take this time to thank all the veterans and their families for their sacrifices, along with those in active service From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for the service you’ve given to your country in keeping the United States free. God Bless every one of you.
Crush
The camera’s angle
twists and swings to the voice
of the broadcaster.
Bloody boots resembling
yours appear on enemy streets;
gunfire lights up the sky.
I can smell the smoke drift
in the night air even thousands
of miles away.
Trepidation moves me closer
to the screen looking for a sign,
such as crow color hair,
with a spray of warfare sweat.
Or a calloused hand, tattoo
on thumb, symbolizing courage.
Nothing revealed you were among
the dust, broken buildings or
bodies. I shift away
then walk to the window.
Looking up, a bright sun warms
my worried face; wonder if
you’re safe, tucked in
a hole away from harm’s way.
But this feeling belongs
to me alone.
I don’t know where you
rest your body, hoping it’s
still breathing—
just like you didn’t know my crush
on you—since childhood cavorting.
Sacrifice and Freedom,
BeaIn Memory of my uncle, John Maluska.
