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Lessons from Iraq II: Night Duty
by Chaplain Susan Caswell
They patrol every night;
Marching into my dreams unescorted.
Screaming soldiers shake me awake;
I am having another nightmare.
When I push them away, they return,
Bringing buddies who are even more forceful.
When I turn away, they multiply
Until I am surrounded by their bloody faces.
When I plead, "Leave me alone!" their demands crescendo,
"Remember me?" "Remember me." "Remember me!"
Drowning in tears and sweat, I am overpowered.
Competing for my decision, only one will be selected.
"Choose me and you can rest," one promises;
"Have mercy on me and give me peace,"he begs.
He judges every word as I painstakingly translate
The scars on my soul into his memorial.
When his report is complete, he is released.
"Thank you," I whisper as he is dismissed.
His restless comrades are angry.
They will return tomorrow.
They patrol every night,
Tortured souls seeking release.
Visit the American Baptist Chaplaincy and Pastoral Counseling Web pages at http://www.nationalministries.org/caring_ministries/chaplaincy/
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