My Children Are Free

From Michael Yon, on the ground in Iraq.

Although I had only known him for a few short hours, it was clear that Mr. Qatou liked to talk about the future.

"My life is nearly finished," he said, almost wistfully. "But will be good for my children and my children's children."

"Yes," I said. "It was worth it, no?"

"What?" he asked, confused at my meaning.

"Your struggle," I said. "Now you are free."

Mr. Qatou smiled and disappeared into his memories briefly, then he spoke:

"My life was mostly soldier and prisoner. My children are free."

Linked to: Smoke on the Water, LeftIndependent, Panhandle Truth Squad, Untill America is in the Clear (spelling is correct), Letters from Iraq, Makaha Surf Report,
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