In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

48 The Veteran Awakens Scurrying and stuttering geckos, mosquito netting fluttering before the fan, canvas cot hugging his sagging butt, diamonds of sky fire peeking through wall slats— he smiles a Buddha smile. It’s all the same as his last sleep here three decades ago. All the same save for the sunrise chatter of those who do not know this darkness, who did not sleep in it before electricity, music, friendship, who never learned its lurking death. He smiles to know what they cannot: never blather in the dawn; never fail to daily mouth the blessing of awakening as you breathe this thick and humid air for one more morning, one more prayer. R I have traveled half the world and half a century to swim this ancient murky river without fear and to sit on this rail porch as dawn slowly draws its curtain open to reveal mystery in simplicity. Amidst rooster caws and changing colors, I watch the first ice delivery I have seen since my family moved from our tenement apartment half a century ago. ...

Share