numb
all I feel is nothing
I can’t remember where I left the bottle
I had to be stoic
just for the look
they all said
that is the most important part
just play the art
for them, not me
because that is how to be
professional
supportive
give them a shoulder
and keep him wet
so his skin doesn’t fall off
they noticed he was peeling
and didn’t shed a single tear
not in that uniform
because we are professional
because we are military
because we are militant
we do what we are told
we don’t have a choice
yes you can cry
in the bathroom
but not for too long
not in that uniform
we are uniform
they are more numb than me
and he doesn’t feel a thing
I wonder if he ever did
I’m afraid his face will haunt me forever
Michael