Ask Me What The War Was Like

By Daniel J. Davis

PROMPT — Ask Me.

Ask me what the war was like. It's been a long time, but I still remember.

Ask me if it was anything like the movies. I'll say it wasn't as exciting. I'll say there wasn't anywhere near as much shooting, or as many explosions. Not where I was, anyway.

Ask me if I ever killed anyone. I'll tell you I haven't. I'll tell you the opportunity never came up, and that I never saw the enemy up close.

Ask me if I was ever afraid. I'll say, "only sometimes."

Ask me if I was in danger. I'll tell you I was as safe as anyone can be over there, and that I rarely left the wire.

Ask me what the hardest part was. I'll say it was the food.

Ask me what a burning body smells like. I'll tell you I wouldn't know. I'll tell you I've never smelled one before.

Ask me if I ever lost a brother over there. I might not say anything at all. Or I might answer quietly, knowing—wherever they are—they can hear me.

Ask me if I'm proud. I'll tell you whatever it is you want to hear.

Or maybe the curiosity won't get the best of you. Maybe you won't ask any questions. If you don't, then I promise... I won't tell you any lies.

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Daniel J. Davis is a veteran of both the US Marine Corps and the US Army. He served three tours in Iraq. He is currently working on a memoir about his wartime experiences. Daniel writes from Winston-Salem, NC.