Going Home, part 2

Another cargo transport.
19 months later.

I'm alone, in the back.

The noises and shaking are more
noticeable, this time.
I wonder how old this airframe is.

I look at my hands, cradling my
M-16. They tremble.

They look old.

Jesus, I'm only 21.

The same Major (promoted, now)
walks to me, from the front of the
plane.

Oh God....I know that look.

I look back at my hands.
Steady as a rock.

I ask "Where to, now" ?

With another sad smile, he says;
"Home, son. You're going home".

I sigh.
I think.

I look up, meeting his tired eyes.
(I wonder if I look so tired)

"Sir, I've left my home".
I look into those tired eyes.
(God, how can I feel so old?)

He looks directly in my eyes.
(something I respect in a person,
to this day)

"Son, I have to take those".

Silence. Oh my God.

I lower my eyes, then my head.
I shrug out of my BDU top, and
hand it to him.
I think I might have been crying.

Silence. Jesus, please tell me this
isn't real.

How many times have I asked that ?
Why do I still ?

He hands it back.
Is it me, or does it feel lighter ?
How can a few stripes weigh so much ?

(crying) I simply ask, "Why?".

"Son, I have orders. So do you".

Long pause. God, time stood still.

Drone of the engines.
Creaks and groans from the air-frame,
itself. How many others has it carried..
Home.

I look up.
He's still looking at me.
He's crying.

"Son, this is not, nor ever will be easy".

I lay my weapon on the floor.
It shakes and trembles.
Looks a bit funny, but I can't laugh.

I slide my ruck to him, with my foot.

He nods. "Do you understand " ?

I look back at my hands, fingers laced
over my knees. I think.

I look back at him, and lie.

"Yes". ..."I understand".

He knows.

"You'll understand, in time".

Green light comes on.
Cargo area lights up.

We're descending.

For the first time, since the first landing,
I'm truly scared.

We land.
Our tears are dry, and we still look at
each other.

Stepping back on my soil is a strange feeling.
Can't justify it, with words.

I look back at the now Colonel.

He says 2 words.

"Ninety days."

As I cross the tarmac, something is missing.

I kneel and puke. And cry.

I already miss Home.

Hope ya'll like.
Lex

[edit on 11-10-2007 by Lexion]

Lex, there is no one else that could convey that message,with that much feeling,other than one who has lived it.
Keep writing.

Lex I agree with AD. You convey the message with personal feelings only you know. Thanks for sharing & please keep writing. Yes, I like.

Ya know man, your ability to convey such emotions with so few words is a gift.

Everything I read by you awakens such strong feelings in me. It makes me glad your here, sharing stories like these. I know it must be hard but you know there are people here whom appreciate your writings. Keep it up mate.

Ya'll,
I am truly humbled by your words
of kindness.

I thank you, from the bottom of
my heart.

Lex