"Internal Contact"

By Ben Fortier

A halo of illuminated sky
Encircles the moon.
Perfectly symmetrical,
Calling our attention.

The pitter patter
Of moving feet,
A crowded highway,
A busy street.

Head down, eyes up,
Assess threats for their assets.
Move on if it’s safe - check,
A swiveling head survives.

But alone on these streets,
Encircled by the light of the moon,
There is no rifle or enemy.
No encounters, nor pleasantries.

The enemies overseas,
Are the same ones that are in the trees,
Are the same ones that are in our minds,
Are the same ones when we’re at ease.

They catch us off guard,
A hip toss over a bent knee.
Does suffering build character
When it comes from inside of me?

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Native Rhode Islander and proclaimed Renaissance Man, Iraq veteran Benjamin Fortier is a multi-talented writer, musician, and technology geek. He is currently in school (again) studying computer networking and cybersecurity. His day job is in service to his rescue dog, Princess Peppa Pig the American Bully. He is the author of Stones of the Wooded Valley and The Silent Whispers of Omens.

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What’s happening at VetRep…

Catch our interview with Kacy Tellessen this week on the Savage Wonder Podcast.

Savage WonderGround is coming back to Alexandria, VA on April 13th. Get all the details and snag your tickets here.

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Our class schedule has expanded and we’re thrilled to bring you classes on the following dates!

Acting For Beginners, 10am-12pm, now offered weekly every Saturday! Registration is currently open through April.

Playwriting for Veterans (online), 7-8:30pm, March 8, 22

Playwriting for Veterans (in person), 6-9pm, March 15, April 26, May 31

Registration details can be found here.

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Voting for the next round in the Hudson Valley Reader’s Poll begins in just two days! You all were amazing at voting us through the first round and we would be so honored to make it through the next of Hudson Valley’s Best. Voting will begin on March 9 at this link.