Nasir, “Little Helper”

Why? 

You ask, earnestly

childish curiosity,

and innate diplomacy,

overcoming fear.

Your stare pierces 

through the soldiers’

Fatigue. 

Unable to explain

generations of hate,

The mercenary 

stares back, 

callously

steadying his weapon. 

His training

demands obedience,

No mercy

for the little boy 

he was...

Once

Upon

A time.

—————

photo: Kurdish boy speaking to a Turkish soldier  December 2019. Image captured by humanitarian aid workers

*The name Nasir means “little helper”