Walking to the beach. A man walks up. He is dressed in dark blue, like a security guard. His skin is black. I do not see a badge, but he is holding a roll of yellow lettered tape in his hand. He says something I cannot understand, "Oh moo ga may", again I could not understand him.
He moved towards me. "Have you ever been to war?" I look at him wondering what he is talking about. "Of course not", he continued on, "But let me tell you there are others..."
"Yes" I said it low. He stopped, sort of one eyeing me from the side.
"Which one?" Vietnam? Africa? Iran?" "No" I replied, and stopped walking. Keeping one side to him, making myself a smaller target, "Iraq"
His eyes met mine, Wariness and interest registered in his glance.. The he looked at my long hair, "But you are no longer?"
I smile. "My time with that is over"
I turn and start walking again, "Interesting conversation".