THE FORTRESS

It is imposing, a modern
fortress, and once inside
it is bright, a lightness
that seems out of place.
The two armies intermingle
with a practiced trust that is
equal parts compassion and fear.
One is uniformed, easy to see
the other a ragtag band
who look into you deeply.
You mark them by
their head scarves, bandannas,
their armor against you eyes
and their battle ribbon,
but the story of their war
is revised daily as each
skirmish is fought.
You smile at them, they
back at you, but their eyes
say we let our guard down
only for those in our unit,
it's just the way things are.