River Memories
by Grambi Dora
1
Jogging a zig-zag between
cars
I flash a smile
to my regular strangers—
an old man with a brown
stained bag
a woman pushing a stroller
with a baby boy
sucking on a bottle.
Each running step
along the Rhein-Neckar River jogs a
birthday forgotten
Christmas present left wrapped
a lullaby unsung.
2
Jogging a zig-zag between
Humvee chalks, 5-tons, deuce and half trucks
flashing a smile to
my regular strangers-- a busload of unshaven
men from India and Nepal
waving their chapped hands to greet me hello.
Each running step
along the Tigris River -
one Allahu Akbar Prayer
one Iraqi woman
unveiled
like a whore
a kill forgotten
Bio: Grambi Dora served served 4 years of active duty
in the Army from June 2005 to June 2009. Hee graduated from Indiana University
in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in General Studies, with concentrations in
English and Psychology. He works full time at the Indianapolis Veterans Affairs
Medical Center. He enjoys writing, playing guitar and doing community service.