“Halt! Who goes?” “Relax, private. It’s Major Jessop.” “Password – Sir!” “Seriously? You know I’m your CO, right, Private Tyson?” “Yessir, I know – but I still need the password. Sir!” I smiled, “’In England's green and pleasant land,’” I quoted, “And well done, Tyson. I would have skinned you alive if you hadn’t insisted. No one gets past you without the password. Not even General Byng.” I nodded as I walked past, then t...

My breath comes in great gasps. I stand panicked but subdued in a long, thin, dust filled communal toilet. Several of the buildings in our street have been lost to bombs in the past few days, and the dust seems to hang around like a fog.The white and dark blue tiling on the walls and floor reflect the remains of the daylight, which plays with the Brownian dust particles. As much is hidden by the dust as is revealed by the...

1The world around me is utterly dark and yet I keep running. I know that I cannot stop or I risk my life as well as the lives of the people who run with me. I don't know how long I've been moving or how long I'll have to continue on my trek. I feel the earth beneath me being bruised by my fast moving feet. Every step I take forward is a step into the completely unknown, a step into the darkness. But it's much better than...

Dedicated to combat veterans and PTSD sufferers, wherever they may be...thank you for your service... An Enemy That Haunts My Mind... In the middle of the night I lie in bed, Fighting an enemy that’s in my head. An enemy that’s always there, An enemy that won’t play fair. An enemy that haunts my mind, An enemy that is not kind. The price paid for doing good, Of doing like I’m told I should. Serving my country in time of w...

"Rein-- I can't run... anymore..." Jae breathed through his mouth. Rein knew. She was the only one pushing forward through the twigs and dried leaves, he was pulling her backwards. She could feel it through their linked hands as they ran. Jae stumbled, and gasped as he fell to his knees. Rein stuttered to a halt beside him, sucking desperate gulps of air into her burning lungs. Leaning forward over her knees, she offered...

My eyes are gritty, my body sore. I cannot believe I’m in the Marine Corps. I plan each day to do my best. My uniforms neat, but man I need rest. I follow instructions and orders all day. I never talk back, although that’s my way. Above and beyond, I am willing to go. Each day brings me closer to the day of the Show. Our theater Iraq, the Shield becomes Storm. I shed not a tear, but the fear it is strong. I grit my teeth,...

The smiling, long legged brunette in the photo leaned against the door of a familiar car. One hand held a set of keys against her freckled cheek while the other seemed to toy with the unfastened snapof impossibly skimpy white shorts. In between, an unbuttoned olive-drab, US Army fatigue shirt was spread just wide enough to give a teasing peek at the swell of her firm young breasts.The soldier holding the photo smiled. He’...

I read in the paper that...Another boy died in the warGunned down by the TalibanHis body riddled with bulletsInside I weepHe was only nineteen, smiling in his dress uniformHe was on his last tourI switched on the news and found out...Another man died in the warBlown up by dissidentsHis truck hit a mineInside I weepHis whole town turned up for the funeral, his widow sobbedClutching on to his young children I listened to th...