The Blood & The Bones

• ghosts of war •

We did the worst things we’ll ever remember

For a hero’s ache

Unknowingly, too, for the wrong one’s gain

They said “you will be the warrior in the garden” and we felt that this must be the path that takes us to that garden someday

And, so, we did this.. we did their deeds with good intentions to find peace ..

To find refuge on the other side of this mountain and because once it began it could not stop

We became the mercenaries of their making

Holding it all in so those who did not know would not hate us

Losing friends, family, footing..

And ourselves along the way

And as the path ends and we watch the closing of the door

And what is left behind seems worse instead of better

We struggle with the question

What was it all for?

the blood
& the bones

•••
I dreamt last night of a warrior I used to love and some that I know are struggling and then I woke up with this in my head. I don’t know what to do with it and I don’t know if it’s finished but I wanted to put it out there..

There’s so much more that I could say about AFG right now but I won’t.

Rather, I would like to say to my friends and family that fought there over the last 20 years, thank you. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all you did.
For every child that was able to grow up because of the time you spent there, thank you.
For every child that got to go to school, thank you.
For every little girl who was saved from slavery and assault in the form of child marriage, thank you.
For every person who did not have to live in fear, thank you.
For every person you showed kindness to, thank you.
For every person you got out, thank you.
For every holiday or life event you missed, thank you.
For every good intention, thank you.
For every sacrifice you made, thank you.

It is not lost on me. I see you. I am proud of you.

LL