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Time Does Not Heal

Augie was killed by a sniper
bullet in the ass -- exit the gut.
Francis J. August, warrior brother,
foxhole comrade who shares dreams
and hopes of life back in the world.
My life saver, my courage, my friend.
I have seen you since breathing your last . . .

I have seen you in Malcolm
I have seen you in Martin
I have seen you in Medgar
I have seen you beaten in Selma
I have seen you bitten in Birmingham
I have seen you hanged in Missippi
I have seen you bleed on foreign soil . . .

I have seen that look in my eyes
a thousand yard stare in a five foot room.
Shaving an older face I have seen your sadness.
I have seen you in me -- as me -- your image
like crystals in my tears
I have seen you . . .

Joe Labriola (from Prisms of War)
Drawings by Gerard J. Cribbie, Jr.