Under a Angry Moon

      Last night the blood orange moon hung low in the sky, as if some celestial giant had impressed his dirty thumbprint into the heavens themselves. In ancient days astronomers might have read ominous portends in that lidless eye. It seemed somehow fitting, for under that baleful moon I returned to the FOB. As our helicopter thundered into the LZ (Landing Zone) a great pillar of dust twisted round in our wake, almost as if the desert was greedily reaching out gritty arms to welcome our return.  The dust carried with it the oil slick smell of rot, an old and familiar smell that traveled directly to some deep and quiet place in the back of my mind.  It was a touchstone of sorts, and far and away the clearest reminder that I was once again back in Baghdad.

     As soldiers scuttled off the Blackhawk, each to their respective units, my journey took a bright turn. For despite the late hour our TOC was full of warm and friendly faces.  The next few minutes were a tide of happy reunions that washed away the arid bitterness that had seemed to hang in the dusty air.  As for my leave back home - I will save that for another day when the jetlag has faded and leaving my love doesn't rest as heavy on my heart.

Comments

[dre]

i just thought i'd email and tell you that on memorial day i went to a memorial ceremony at a cemetary and your name was brought up, you tried to save one of are men from oakdale,ca........it was a tear jerker......so thank you for all you have done and will do for us...and welcome back (in a bittersweet way)if you like more on the story feel free to email me.......peace and love

[Jean]

Welcome back. Now you're in for the post-R&R decompression time, when time slows down. The next three weeks will take six weeks to get through--at least that how it always worked for me. Hope you had a great time at home. Be diligent and stay safe now that you're back.

[Toni]

Oh what the hell, I'm glad you back to posting on your blog. Wish it could be from the states but since that's not gonna happen, I'll take what we can get.

[Wendy Smith]

Welcome back T6...I know you had a great time on leave, and it's tough to get back to the filth and grime of that lonely desert...take care and keep writing!

[YankeePaPa13]

..Welcome back..Be looking forward to the day when we can say "Welcome Home" for good..Semper Fi..

[Dianne]

May God be with you and protect you and reunite you with your loved ones once again.

[Esther]

I hate to say welcome back because I'm sorry you had to return but since you did I'm happy you had a safe return. Leaving a loved one is always a hard thing to do.

[David]

I'm glad your trip was a safe one. Thank you for your service to our country.

[Huntress]

I know its bittersweet, but, WELCOME BACK!

[Mustang 23]

I hope the trip was good. Did you see the Star Wars Movie? Did you plan your R&R so you could? :) I have troops who did. My troops tell me the worst part about R&R isn't coming back, it is the wait in Doha for a flight. I hope you didn't have to wait to long. Welcome Back.

[Curt]

Welcome back!

[Some Soldier's Mom]

welcome back, T6. Hold the happy joyful parts of your visit and suppress the sad part of leaving... I know it must have been a wonderful time, too short though it may have been...