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This writing was accepted for publication in the 84 page perfect-bound issue... Down in the Dirt magazine (v104) (the March 2012 Issue) You can also order this 5.5" x 8.5" issue as an ISSN# paperback book:

Order this writing in the book It Was All Preordained (a Down in the Dirt collection book)		get the 320 page January-April 2012 Down in the Dirt magazine issue collection 6" x 9" ISBN# paperback book:

Soldiers

Lisa Cappiello

Despite our age and gender, we were involuntarily drafted
by those we trusted most
The battle began long before we knew what they were fighting for

Overnight, we were standing on unfamiliar soil
amid rockets, missiles, and bombs
and the silent threat of the threat of the enemy infiltrating
at any given moment

I had five more years of experience
so I instinctually loaded my weapons faster and knew which rocks provided shelter
and many nights I stood on guard so you could recharge
But when given the opportunity, I immediately fled in search of peace
knowing deep down that I always wanted a life different than this

I will forever carry the guilt of leaving you behind
You reenlisted for another term
for you only knew how to live among landmines and grenades
and you were drafted into infantry, directly on the front line of all the action
where you remained for far too long
Although your uniform is more decorated than mine
our scars are the same
and you’re the only one who can truly comprehend the magnitude of my post traumatic stress
No amount of rain will be strong enough to erase our muddy footprints
but our bond, as strong as the giant purple heart we share, will never be broken

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