Iraq Bureau: A Look Through Square Windows

[Coexist]

A Look Through Square Windows
Here they come.


A couple of minutes earlier than usual, I haven't got the car out of the garage yet.

I stand outside, and stare.

I used to be too embarrassed to do that at first, but not any more.

The first Hummer vehicle turns the corner and comes towards me. There are usually four.

As soon as they are close enough I look straight into the vehicle's square windows – straight at the china-doll faces inside.

At first they were too embarrassed to stare back. Then they started staring back – and then mostly ignored me.

I became fascinated with them when they first made it a practice to pass by my door every morning as I drive out my garage – so that it became a matter of "who does it first".

Every time I look, I see young men – so young, some younger than my student daughter – with difficulty I see their faces, old disillusioned expressions on their surprisingly young faces; the baby fat still lingering in some.

I can't help remembering my son. He was the same age.

I try to imagine what would have happened if they had met in a café, on --------- street, if there was no war on.

How would they have looked at each other?

Would they have become friends?

Would they have had a drink and a smoke and thumped each others' backs in laughter and camaraderie?

So young – too young to send on an errand of war,,, of killing .. and dying.

When they first came – years ago, they were full of feelings of pride – no doubt – for taking part in freeing a nation, for spreading the message of democracy to the barbarians.

Why, then, were they not met with open arms and open hearts?

Why were they looked at with shaded eyes filled with piercing hatred?

Had they missed their mark?

How do they feel now?

Please tell me – if you can hear me - How do you feel now?

My heart aches for young lives lost;,, I know …. I've been there.

No matter the colour.

No matter the tongue.

They are so precious.

Please tell me – if you can hear me - How do you feel now?