Thank you…

for going where

I could not bear to go…

For risking your life

When I could not risk mine…

for running towards

the terrible things I shrink from…

For bearing scars

on your heart to spare

my own…

I honor you

for the intention

and integrity you carried

into the nightmare

of someone else’s war…

for being willing

to stand between

innocence and harm…

For bearing witness

to images and actions

no one should ever have to see…

there are those who serve

with all that they are

and those who are grateful

and love them…

I am one.

~Shelly~