longlostsapper

SOLDIER TALK

By Chantal Starrett


We grew up with it,
it was normal for us,
even something we smiled at every once in a while.
You know what I mean, Soldier Talk.
It happens often when walking out of a gas station or grocery store.
One man is putting away his items and shifts the Ranger hat on his head.
My father sees this and walks up."When did you serve?"And so the talk begins.
I sit in the car and watch them.
Each one spinning tales of where they went, what they saw, what they learned.
I watch them laugh at things that most men would shake remembering.
I watch them stand a little bit taller, raise their head a slight bit higher.
They feel whole again, as if they aren't alone in their own pasts.
They feel a part of something bigger than themselves, something to be proud of.
They bare the right to identify themselves with a band of heroes that distinguishes them among many.
It isn't only talking though.
They honk their horns when they see each others bumperstickers,
the dog tags hanging from the mirror, the badge covered cap,
they nod at one another in the VA. It is all Soldier Talk.
But what do I have? I have no band of legends to be associated with,
no badge of honor to adorn my wall, no dog tags from a mirror,
no badge covered cap, no memberships to the VA,
no one honks their horn when I drive past for I have no service sticker.
Who do I nod to when I walk past?
What strong service of courageous beings am I a part of?
What makes me stand taller and hold my head higher?
What makes me proud of whom I have been?
I sigh and sit back in the seat as I wait for him to finish.
"Well, thank you for serving."And then it ends.
The other soldier smiles and nods to me before getting in his car.
And all I can do is nod back, for I have no Soldier Talk.