Thursday, November 20, 2008

"They Say It's Your Birthday..."

The posts titled with song titles/lyrics continue.

It is my birthday today. Cold snap here. Damp and cool. Sky is grey like steel. Although a little while ago a gleam of pale sun - faint yellow like a boiled egg -popped through the clouds. I am stuck in the North of Iraq after a short mission - awaiting transportation. The wind / damp air are gently blowing. A few puddles reflect the sky, which is similar in color to the gravel strewn earth.

It is a bit despondent and run down here, as are a lot of the camps. Old Iraqi military buildings, are adorned with faded murals and Arabic writing. But the run-down and shabby feel of this place suits my mood today.

I will lift my spirits with a coffee which I will get from the DFAC. Although I am not really "down".
I am travelling with Iraqi-American translators. They speak Arabic amongst themselves and with the other translators. I am responsible for their safety, and perhaps they resent the over watch...I am removed from their language and conversations. Today I felt detached from them, as well as the fellow soldiers around me. Just feel more alone. Maybe not lonely.

I am thinking of a girl.

I can't remember last year's birthday. I won't forget this one though. It started with a morning flight in a helicopter. I thought, "My God, what a honor, what a privilege it is to serve on this day, away from home!"

My love for my country keeps me warm.

3 comments:

David M said...

The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 11/20/2008 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.

bigD said...

Hi Army Poet!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I wish you didn't have to hang out in such a dreary place for your birthday. Have you heard this one..."If I'd known you were coming, I'd have baked a cake!"

Even though I am not a very good cook or cake baker, I would give it my best shot, just to cheer you up.

It is always a fine line between welcoming the dreary dark sky and letting it pull you down. I hope the coffee warms you and helps you to find your happy place. Don't think too hard, it makes your head hurt. Take care and try to enjoy being one year older!

Survival Chick said...

Happy Birthday.