I'm glad you're not in Afghanistan
Thirty people died this week, mostly soldiers
mostly uniformed clones of you
all the Taliban sees is camo and flags
rage and hate and retaliation and frustration

I see you
across the car from me
driving to the store
so we can get some chicken
and all I can think is

I'm so glad you're not in Afghanistan
I don't know how those Army girlfriends and wives do it
So often I feel so inadequate when your eyes go dark
Like I'm not patriotic or heroic or selfless or ... worthy
that I'd rather you be in my arms then at war

You say that I just don't understand
and I fall to silence

Maybe I really don't.