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Rainy Days

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

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

Date: 12/30/2014 10:10:00 PM

GREAT... I too had a short stint in the army, it is short and sweet it portrays true picture...

Deepak Satam
Date: 12/31/2014 10:29:00 PM

I served with the Indian Army with Air Defense Artillery, Short Service Commission 1976 to 1981...

Mark J. Halliday
Date: 12/31/2014 10:22:00 AM

Thanks for commenting. What did you do in the army, when, where, which army?

Brenda Meier-Hans

Date: 10/10/2014 10:59:00 AM

Congratulations on your win Mark. I'm glad to see you have made it back to write more beautiful poetry.

Mark J. Halliday
Date: 10/10/2014 11:48:00 AM

Thanks. I wouldn't personally put this particular one in the beautiful category, but appreciate the compliment.

Barbara Gorelick

Date: 10/10/2014 9:19:00 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
Date: 10/10/2014 11:52:00 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

Date: 10/10/2014 8:34:00 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
Date: 10/10/2014 11:52:00 AM

Thanks. I wouldn't personally put this particular one in the beautiful category, but appreciate the compliment.

Dr.Ram Mehta

Date: 10/10/2014 6:19:00 AM

Interesting write from personal experience, Mark, congrats on the win

Mark J. Halliday
Date: 10/10/2014 11:53:00 AM

Jan Allison

Date: 10/10/2014 4:47:00 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
Date: 10/10/2014 11:53:00 AM

Len Gasun

Date: 10/10/2014 3:04:00 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
Date: 10/10/2014 12:04:00 PM

Thanks. I liked your piece about Autumn too.

Charmaine Chircop

Date: 9/11/2014 6:12:00 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
Date: 10/10/2014 12:00:00 PM

Mark J. Halliday
Date: 9/17/2014 9:46:00 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

Date: 9/10/2014 12:13:00 AM

I enjoyed your poem. I hope you don't ever go back. Love and prayers, Gina

Mark J. Halliday
Date: 9/25/2014 6:19:00 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.