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Deployed to Kuwait

The camel musk entered my tent today 
a quiet sand storm arouse the warm 
wind settled outside white garments 
blew in the breeze i could hardly collect 

myself my thoughts were on American 
things like Antonio's pizza why I'd mastered 
nano breads pita pockets honey dipping 
peppermint tea with lemon grass aroma 

soaring though out brass tea cups my mind 
focused completely locked and loaded I suppose  
although it is definitely going to to take some 
time getting use being referred to as SGT when 

all I wanted to do was curl up with my diary 
and my kitten mittens i sure miss mittens being 
so far away in the middle east on guard duty 
missing my family my friends even my noisy 

neighbors i miss the buses the trains the cold 
cold nights wrapped in fleece hands hiding in  
my faux **** things were different around here 
unusually quiet for a war zone I'm torn from 

college days my two best friends were from Tripoli 
the other from West Bank i sit outside Jerusalem 
wondering what my friends are doing back in America 
eating toast reading poetry wait I here something
 
what a pleasant surprise a tiny kitten here now 
in the middle east hello there I'll call you Jaguar 
funny meeting you here I'm no longer lonely 
can't wait to take you back home to America

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 2/19/2024 7:30:00 AM
First, thank you for your service. I am grateful to you. Second, I love the way your voice carries throughout this poem - the sand, the unfamiliarity, the loneliness, and the gaining of companionship. Very nice Yolanda! :)
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Date: 2/11/2024 3:42:00 PM
Enjoyed your poem that highlights the opposites so well; it draws us in to what you're going through. Such a comforting ending, too.
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Yolanda Nicholsen
Date: 2/11/2024 9:42:00 PM
Thank you for your kindness many blessings
Date: 2/1/2024 6:46:00 PM
Dear Yolanda, your textured sensory imagery enthralls my imagination "The camel musk entered my tent today" - wow! What an amazing opening line! I was captivated by your every verse, your introspection and the tender surprise of making a new friend in the war zone, both of you needing the other for comfort. Tender, rich and emotive. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
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Yolanda Nicholsen
Date: 2/2/2024 1:26:00 PM
Thank you so much many blessings warm wishes as well.
Date: 1/31/2024 7:07:00 AM
Dear Yolanda, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for your beautiful poem. Your words capture the challenges and the unexpected moments of beauty and companionship. Ahh.. camel musk to the quiet sandstorm and the unexpected arrival of Jaguar, the kitten, evoked a sense of both longing and resilience. It's evident how much you miss the familiar comforts of home, yet you find peace in small joys amidst the unfamiliarity of your current situation. - Blessings, Daniel
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Yolanda Nicholsen
Date: 2/2/2024 1:26:00 PM
Thanks a bunch Daniel many blessings ..

Book: Reflection on the Important Things