Veteran’s Day!

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,

Bea

In Memory of my uncle, John Maluska.