Killed by a Suicide Bomber, December 6

Big man – Floridian – don’t think you don’t know him.

Wears suspenders and a t-shirt – is tall,

talks constantly,

works private security on a highway half-built

thanks to war.

Says he’s been here for a year. Says proudly

how no one but him

has been to Panjwayi – in jeans.

He counts his near misses. Throws back his head

like a horse when he laughs.

Drinks coffee with me and swears

he won’t change for them.