It was a sign
That blotchy mark
Inner face of right forearm
Rising in infancy
Clear warning to others
“Do not mess with this little one!”
This auspicious little one
Leo, strong ~ will, mind, physique
Delivered to miscreants
To learn, to teach
The truth veiled just beyond her reach
Except in moments of crisis
When divinity
Shared a glimpse
Of reality
Just enough
To carry on
Carry on
Auspicious little one.
In the wild ~ hot ~ cold
Mountains of Afghanistan
You wear whatever’s issued:
Heavy boots
Camouflage
Backpack bearing two weeks’ supplies
And you trudge,
Weapon at the ready.
You know what you’re doing.
Well-trained
For the task at hand,
An insulated, self-sufficient man,
Still
I want you home
From that harsh
Hostile
Land.
You
Left us
Here alone
Powerless, broke
Paralyzed by fear
Want and need forced action
Courage came through parted blinds
The world appeared less dangerous
Soon, venturing out was an option
In day’s bright light, our lights shined through, brightly
Then we knew you had lied and we would survive
But that is the beginning of a new story.
From
~
Near poverty
Hand to mouth
Week – to – week
Head down, meek
Get the check
From Dad
At the Friday night bar
~
To
~
$5-a-week-is-all-I-need-to-get-by
~
Then the prize!
$13k a year, plus benefits
Eureka!
~
Double down
Both earners now
Feels like the end of the rainbow
~
Long hours
Climbing ladders
Then give up a chunk
(Those three need me)
~
Economize
Live large on less
No largesse
Don’t need it
Integrity
Fidelity
Example for posterity
Plenty
We have plenty
Feel like a millionaire
~
I AM better.
It took years to purge the hurt, the pain
Remove the stain
Release what remained
Of the deep humiliation.
White trash label from parents of friends
Grandfather who’d not make amends
Father, mean drunk, nights, weekends
Relatives who’d deny and defend
Then reprimand
Because I spoke up.
Raw.
Wronged.
Banged the gong.
Told the tale ~ told the truth.
Offered proof.
“Every family has secrets.”
“They’re no better than us.”
“You’re no better than us, little miss high and mighty.”
But I was.
Sometimes there is better or worse.
And all you have to do is choose.
I AM better.
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