A Soldiers Story

Anthony Markland
1 min readOct 28, 2021

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Art by Mary Ellen Mark

They call us “UNRULY”

That’s their discipline. We have our own. I am obligated to protect

Lord if your listening,

Devil… Now I’m whispering

I prepare by Sipping water and gin. Fresh breath and hydrated. You can’t smell my sin. And I don’t wine, but…

One of you… Help.

I ain’t tryna hurt nobody, but I need a release. The pain is unhealthy, but necessary. I’m charged, admitted as a keeper of peace, shaking hands, we squeeze violent. Tugging war, who will submit, I’m not allowed as a black man, going home to a family, or alone, surviving to create is paramount.

So please approach with good energy. Making Heaven on earth, when your thinking hellish, depends on what your selling. That’s what I was taught, but your body language doesn’t translate.

Blacktops become blackboards

My screams during flight, give adrenaline as I move and dodge, slide and maneuver. Claps, pound me to A knee, then both. I finally understand, hate and love are sealed in hugs and fists.

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Anthony Markland
Anthony Markland

Written by Anthony Markland

I write to breath. I write to give. I write for happiness.

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