Just something I came across in a book. Its sweet, very sweet. Haha.

Experience has taught a soldier how to pack his pannier,
with the stuff he needs most
near the top, where he can get at it. In the outer pockets
he stows his onions and garlic, sealed tight so they don’t
stink up the weather kit and half-fleece on the other side.
At the bottom, deep inside, he stashes those items that must
at all costs be protected, against dust, against being
dropped, against the elements. There, in the doeskin
you gave me, I keep your letters, my darling wife.

If any of you people out there are wondering, the poem is found in “The Afghan Campaign” by Steven Pressfield. Its about the march of Alexander the Great on the way to conquer the world! Not about George W. Bush vs Osama Bin Laden/Taliban. Haha. But yeah when I read it, it just somehow tugged at my heartstrings? Considering that I’m doing my national service now and all, it just seemed so.. pertinent? Maybe I’ve watched too many war movies, where the enemy kills the guy then finds on his dead body, letters from his mother/wife/girlfriend/loved ones. Then they proceed to realise that actually, WOW the enemy is human too! Then they start asking why are they fighting this war and all.. Zzz. Haha. But thats like not the point. The point being, its touching how a single person can be another’s motivation(for the lack of a better word) to fight and kill other sentient beings and sacrifice his conscience and all. Deep huh. Aiya. I don’t know. All I know is that..

I love you.

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