Twenty-Five years old.

Feet caked in blood, dirt between your toes
Arms heavy as lead, so thin that you can hardly lift them
Eyes stinging from hours of doing intricate surgery
Ears ringing from the bloodcurdling moans of the injured
Mouth, lips and tongue dry from exhaustion.
Nose filled with the stench of rotting flesh...

Twenty-Five
Feet warm in a bath overflowing with bubbles
Arms light on on the skin of the water...Sweet dreams.
Eyes stinging from hours of television watching
Ears ringing after a loud and exciting concert
Mouth dry from potato chips...
Nose warm from the aroma of freshly baked, soft chocolate chip cookies;
Grateful for another beautiful day.

Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
Rainy November eleventh ceremonies,
a day of reflection
A commemoration of life and freedom.