She is a warrior without makeup
Sand caked on her face from sweat and heat
Smoking a cigarette to settle her nerves
Tough cookie who fears nothing
Not eating out tonight
But K rations touted out
Drinking bottled water for dry mouth
It's quiet now, but not for long
Clatter of guns and missiles will come
She is a young woman who
has fortitude and honor drummed in
In her heart, she holds no fear
She watches her buddy's back from distructive force
No time for nonsense
She has no dreams
She is a warrior with fatigues
Waiting for the dust to settle before she trudges on
This is her break to draw from a smoke
stoic look given to her buddy
they don't speak,
only eye contact and silent hand motion
No time to feel fear
No time for love
Or tears.
