[31]
I travel around the world
courtesy the Navy.
More momentous is my leaving
P.J. (she disliked
“Pamela”). I want to stay.
My extension request
is denied. Before I leave
we argue.
[91]
I drive to California
to report to USS Peleliu, named
for the battle Dad was in nearly 50 years
earlier. He’s not oblivious; Peleliu
and WWII are too deep in his past.
We have so little time,
but we don’t know it. Dad shares
his new/old project with me.
There’s this ship, a newly-won war
to consider. In the Emirates, I blanch
at the photographs of burnt,
dead Iraqi soldiers in shop windows.
Pamela? Dad? Leave-taking
continues.
It’s dry and hot. The aroma
of roasting meat is mouth-watering.
I eat, greedily.
~*~
Andrew Shattuck McBride
NaPoWriMo ~ 2013 | My Day 4
April 9, 2013
Andrew Shattuck McBride, Writer's Blog 
So much wonderful complexity here, and vividness.
I’m curious–what’s your dad’s “new/old project” he shares: something he’s building, or making, or learning? Or is it the project of being in the Navy, at different times?
Thank you Jennifer!
Ah, next manuscript. Interested in reading it?
Cheers, Andy
Absolutely!