Day 1,098

The young man
had gone into the school
where the children were so excited
to be, after such
a long time. He
spoke with them, played
with them, asked them
if they were afraid.
We’re not afraid! No!
they chanted in unison.
Even though they were close
to where the soldiers were.
to the yellow line. No!
We are not afraid!
A day later the young man
was dead. Dead
with his playful laugh.
Dead with his love
for the children. Dead
with his strong hands.
Dead from the soldiers’ fire.
Dead with everything he knew.