"Love and War"
By Lani Hankins
Things hadn't been perfect but that was okay
Because as someone who dabbled in pigment and brush strokes I knew perfection could not be reached
But I hoped, as so many mothers-to-be do
That the anger would subside with the coming of new life
That the yelling would be muffled by an infant's cries
That somehow, someday everything would be alright
Then she came…
And the anger only seemed to grow
With wilting vexation that would blossom into violence
Yelling was indeed deadened by the crying
But not by an infant, for it was the sound of my own weeping
The pounding in my ears for shoving so much down
Packing it all in to reinforce the walls
That held up the roof housing so much fear
With terror for mortar and brutality the bricks
Holding in a savagery burning like a wick
And I still hoped, as tragic women do
That it would one day start to feel a little more
Like love and a little less like war
Lani Hankins is a former Army female engagement team member and a veteran of Afghanistan. Follow her here. Listen to the Savage Wonder episode with her here.
She blogs and podcasts at Kruse Corner.
Bunny: Poems About Surviving Military Life by Lani Hankins
Bottled Away: Confessions of a Struggling Veteran by Lani Hankins
The Gaslit Heart: A Story of Service and Survival by Lani Hankins
Eased Pain: Poems About Surviving Domestic Violence by Lani Hankins
What’s happening at VetRep…
VetRep is proud to present Michael Frayn’s “Chinamen” for our November and December Parlor shows. This legendary British farce has five characters and only two actors, and you won’t want to miss the final, hilarious performances of the season. We have enjoyed sold out shows all year, and while there are worse problems we could have, we want to encourage you to get your tickets to “Chinamen” before they disappear!
On November 4, 2023, world-class guitarist (and military child) Michael Bard will be performing at Carnegie Hall – and a portion of the proceeds will go to VetRep! Get your tickets here.
Our Acting for Beginners class is now being offered weekly every Saturday from 10am-12pm. Scholarships for qualifying veterans, as well as multi-class passes are available. Registration details can be found here.