I enjoy the cadence of reading your essays. And that prick of my conscience from your stark honesty.
I was in fourth grade when the Gulf War broke out. It was the first time I'd metabolized that word and its implications. Other wars were distant and historical. My mother encouraged me to pray for the troops, to pray for peace.
I think that's when I first realized my longing to bring about peace in the world in some way. Then again, I romanticized the soldier as a metaphor for a fighter. I wanted to identify with some personification of the fiery spirit in me.
Then I dated two guys in the military after high school. That's when I learned that war is always ugly and destructive.
Finally, I did not know you were a veteran. Thank you for serving.
Paul,
I enjoy the cadence of reading your essays. And that prick of my conscience from your stark honesty.
I was in fourth grade when the Gulf War broke out. It was the first time I'd metabolized that word and its implications. Other wars were distant and historical. My mother encouraged me to pray for the troops, to pray for peace.
I think that's when I first realized my longing to bring about peace in the world in some way. Then again, I romanticized the soldier as a metaphor for a fighter. I wanted to identify with some personification of the fiery spirit in me.
Then I dated two guys in the military after high school. That's when I learned that war is always ugly and destructive.
Finally, I did not know you were a veteran. Thank you for serving.