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River Memories, a poem by Grambi Dora

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.