Mark J. Halliday Poet Couplet

Notes About The Poem

In 2005-2006 I was in Mosul as part of a US Army Military Transition Team, helping retrain Iraqi forces.

Rainy Days

We would get used to the heat
If not for the body-armor.
We could always taste the dust
Which made it seem even warmer.
Ballistic sunglasses blocked the glare,
But didn't keep out the sweat.
The smell of raw sewage and rot
We would never soon forget.
I assumed the ground would be sandy,
But it was really all silt and clay.
There was so much fouled standing water
After their annual rainy season days.
The only time I wasn't over-heating
Was in January's rains in Mosul, Iraq.
After wading through so much filth,
I'm happy to never, ever, ever go back.

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Deepak Satam December 30, 2014 at 10:10 PM GREAT... I too had a short stint in the army, it is short and sweet it portrays true picture... Deepak Satam December 31, 2014 at 10:29 PM I served with the Indian Army with Air Defense Artillery, Short Service Commission 1976 to 1981... Mark J. Halliday December 31, 2014 at 10:22 AM Thanks for commenting. What did you do in the army, when, where, which army?

Brenda Meier-Hans October 10, 2014 at 10:59 AM Congratulations on your win Mark. I'm glad to see you have made it back to write more beautiful poetry. Mark J. Halliday October 10, 2014 at 11:48 AM Thanks. I wouldn't personally put this particular one in the beautiful category, but appreciate the compliment.

Barbara Gorelick October 10, 2014 at 9:19 AM I appreciate the serious tone of this work..most of us have no idea what your experience was like. Congrats Mark. BG Mark J. Halliday October 10, 2014 at 11:52 AM One of my nastiest life's memories was manning the machinegun on top of an armored Humvee in 2006, when we drove through some standing water--which splashed me in the face while my mouth was open. It was the unspoken inspiration for the poem.

Anne-Lise Andresen October 10, 2014 at 8:34 AM - Many beautiful 1st place winning poem ..... and just as beautiful 2nd place! - (I do not always agree with the "judge") - I enjoy reading yours, Mark !! - Congratulations! - Happy weekend :) - oxox // Anne-Lise :) Mark J. Halliday October 10, 2014 at 11:52 AM Thanks. I wouldn't personally put this particular one in the beautiful category, but appreciate the compliment.

Dr.Ram Mehta October 10, 2014 at 6:19 AM Interesting write from personal experience, Mark, congrats on the win Mark J. Halliday October 10, 2014 at 11:53 AM One of my nastiest life's memories was manning the machinegun on top of an armored Humvee in 2006, when we drove through some standing water--which splashed me in the face while my mouth was open. It was the unspoken inspiration for the poem.

Jan Allison October 10, 2014 at 4:47 AM incredible powerful write - I can only begin to imagine what these conditions are really like - many congrats on your win:-) hugs jan xxx Mark J. Halliday October 10, 2014 at 11:53 AM One of my nastiest life's memories was manning the machinegun on top of an armored Humvee in 2006, when we drove through some standing water--which splashed me in the face while my mouth was open. It was the unspoken inspiration for the poem.

Len Gasun October 10, 2014 at 3:04 AM Congratulations my dear poet friend Mark. I thoroughly enjoyed your wonderful write! Thank you so much for sharing and your loving support. Hugs and cheers! Love lots, Leonora Mark J. Halliday October 10, 2014 at 12:04 PM Thanks. I liked your piece about Autumn too.

Charmaine Chircop September 11, 2014 at 6:12 PM Hope you' ll never have to go back and may peace one day reign.Trying to imagine the picture you portray through your verse,I can only try to understand what soldiers pass from.Thanks for sharing your verse. Mark J. Halliday October 10, 2014 at 12:00 PM One of my nastiest life's memories was manning the machinegun on top of an armored Humvee in 2006, when we drove through some standing water--which splashed me in the face while my mouth was open. It was the unspoken inspiration for the poem. Mark J. Halliday September 17, 2014 at 9:46 AM It wasn't actually that bad of an experience. On the positive side, our dining facility was only 2 blocks away from the recreation area's movie theater, so I ate a lot of dinner takeout meals watching films; and the food was surprisingly very good. In some ways we were spoiled.

Regina Mcintosh September 10, 2014 at 12:13 AM I enjoyed your poem. I hope you don't ever go back. Love and prayers, Gina Mark J. Halliday September 25, 2014 at 6:19 PM I retired from the Army back in 2007. Several people I went there with have been either back there again or in Afghanistan. I spent some time in the Balkans prior too.