"The people you meet while stuck in an airport"
By Steve Callahan
I saw a tall man with tattoos of trees on his forearms
and it reminded me of you
and massive quantities of tactical patches stuck to
daypacks
limp wristed men holding fruit mentos and red wine
in plastic cups and
a grandfather holding a crying girl
I saw a couple from Africa coming
to America to visit Baltimore (of all places)
and no less than three Eagles fans
and triumphant "go birds" were exchanged
I saw deep sadness and great love
I saw myself scattered across thousands of people
I found madness in the idea that each
person was living a whole life
outside of my momentary orbit with them
I saw a man in SpongeBob Vans
and wondered what he did the day before he bought
them
I saw couples in love
I saw lonely souls
I saw tourists
of both earth and body
vapid soulless things
who were here to fill the background wings
a lesbian told me I had a great mustache and we talked
about lifting
I saw important businessmen doing important business
busy busy bees with no time to rest
I read Cormac McCarthy while the woman next to me
read about faires having sex
I went insane
I fell in love
I watched a cockroach nibble on some crumbs that
littered the carpet and wondered what it would be like
I felt the warmth of the sun on my back as I
leaned against the window and tried to sleep
I dreamt of you
and awoke to my horror
surrounded by everyone
but very much
alone
Steve Callahan is a writer, a poet and a former Marine infantryman. Bursting with creative efforts, Steve runs a poetry site, podcast, and is heavily involved in PB Abbate. Steve’s writing covers his experiences in the Marines, his deployment to Helmand and the psychological peaks and valleys of an infantryman’s life. Follow him here.
Listen to our Podcast with Steve here.
What’s happening at VetRep…
ONLY TWO SHOWS LEFT! DECEMBER 7th & 14th
Join us for an intimate evening of theater in the heart of Cornwall at our cozy Parlor on Quaker Ave. The final Parlor performance of the year will feature seven, 10-minute plays authored by veterans, including plays that have won grants through VetRep’s bi-annual Playwriting competition. Settle in with a winter mocktail and dessert while we explore drama, comedy, and all the feelings in between through each short play.
POTSHOTS by Stephanie Kline
THE ELEPHANT DELIVERY by Bill Smith
FISH TALE by Phil Wozniak
GIVEN: A WAY by Michael Towers
INTERMISSION PLAY by Dakota Silvey
IT'S NOT BLOOD by Kim Ruyle
SUNSET & VINE by Jack Truman
If Giving Tuesday slipped past you, don’t worry—there’s still time to make a difference!
Your chance to support veterans in the arts isn’t over. Donations to our #SavageWonderFund are open, and every contribution helps us empower veteran artists, playwrights, and performers to share their incredible talents with the world.
Whether it’s creating new work, showcasing veteran voices, or building community through the arts, your generosity fuels everything we do.
It’s not too late!
Recurring donations of just $20/month make you a sustaining member, helping us grow opportunities for veterans to share their unique perspectives.
Together, we’re creating something extraordinary, and we’re so grateful for your continued support.