LATEST LETTER

8/11/24 my leg was sliced open
by a fallen comrade
you sat me on your cot
in the cold privacy of your room
as you turned your back
you asked me
"take off your cassock?"
i unbuttoned my clothing
in the light of your lantern
you turned back to me with a bandage
i sat in front of you with only a dress shirt
though im sure you were more focused on my crimson gash
i was focused on how you stood over me

"lift your leg."
you kept my pale limb in place with a warm hand
swaddled my thigh with the cloth like a newborn
you looked so concentrated
your hands shook as you tied
i wondered if you were feeling conflicted too
our eyes met breifly as your knee brushed mine
eyes darting away as you let go
god knows how i scolded myself

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