Birth of an American Veteran

As I awaken, dawn breaks in the distance on the horizon of a land that is not my own.

I move awkwardly, and perhaps too slowly, toward the duties of the day that lies ahead.

Last night, I slept when I could… sometimes gladly… sometimes, helplessly… sometimes, to escape the particulars of my circumstances. (But three hours just weren’t enough).

Now… struggling… I pull away from the remnants of the une…