A Kiss of Honor, a Memorial Day Tribute

Frantic searching for my sanity as the odor of explosives and burning flesh assault my soul. Longing for the boredom of stuffy barracks my eyes my friends constantly search for your return I hide all but fear. We know the death of friends but in our life embrace we conceal all that is deferred for recollection in our final days. For now bravado, lots of scotch, and a Thai stick sets the pattern for our only security. Lost are the joys of spirit we envisioned as children; gone is the clarity and respect for lives easily expended in the most secret of a nation’s honor, generalities served in a bitter beer. I know you friend, your dreams your plans you say them softly in your sleep. Our prayers to will keep you safe. We dare to plan in-country encouraged by being too short not to let our minds drift at the possibilities. We hope that God is truly on our side and confess only in our eyes the sins we speak to no one. The blood of those we do not know anoints the heads of those we do and love for now, until our final taps brings us home. With this kiss of honor I embrace what remains of you my friend and your courage. I curse your departure and salute the honor of our time together.