Christmas Now Past

It's a crystal clear night, and brisk, thanks to 24 hours of rain and a cold spell recently. The stars in the desert sky are stars indeed! The moon is a waxing crescent, a killing sign for the local religous fanatics. But it has been unusally peaceful, as if Christmas has power even here. One could easily imagine following a star in the East.

The evening meal was the big one. I had sweet potatoes, steak, and a lobster tail. In DFAC #1 there were cameras flashing. I saw officers that, when one stood up, the whole table rose. I saw lots of bars and a gold star at the table next to mine, wasted perhaps on my ignorance. Yes, we had special guests here in Camp Fallujah tonight.

Other officers served their soldiers from behind the counter and little filipino females dressed in red-- like merry black-haired elves. Ourselves, Haitians, filipinos, those from India, Iraq, and elsewhere wished each other a Merry Christmas. All is not well, but well enough, tonight.