One lone building covered in gold
Surrounded on all sides by ramshackle houses,
Thin streets, and densely crowded markets.
Children crowd around us like water on a sinking ship.
They beg for candy and money. I can't breathe.
We pass out cigarettes to men in exchange for
Half-hearted allegiance, shifty, toothless smiles and derisive mistrust.
Some cheer while others stand far back and glare as they whisper
Purple fingered people stand proud; They march in the streets.
We march in their streets and I wonder how long before we remove the U.I.A.
We remove an unexploded RPG from a family's doorway.
Men stand armed and nervous within earshot on the perimeter
Children play with goats and they treat us to tea.
Shokran Jazeelan. I give thanks and drink.
The sweetest tea I've ever had.
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