Col (Ret.) Nate Slate: Little Shepherds - War in a Peaceful Setting

Col (Ret.) Nate Slate: Little Shepherds – War in a Peaceful Setting

In the stillness between IED craters and ambush points, barefoot children in sunlit fields reminded us—without knowing—that peace still dared to exist.

Sometimes, as our convoy made its way down the neglected rural roads, the countryside was so bucolic, so rustic, it seemed impossible that a war was going on. Emotionally, it was a portrait in chiaroscuro. The differences were so profound. The most irenic, peaceful setting could literally explode into violence without warning. The contrasts were difficult to comprehend.

Yet, it was these irenic moments that brought life back into focus. There were so many reminders of a kind and loving God. Seeing nature’s beauty and innocence abound served as a wonderful reminder of what was at stake and what was possible.

LITTLE SHEPHERDS

Like little cherubs

they stand in golden fields of harvested grain

sheep, goats, and cows dwarf them

as they clean the cultivated earth

They are the tinniest of guards

barefoot in long colorful, tribal dresses

Two ways to continue to read this article.

Like stair steps they follow their older sisters Our tactical caravan approaches as they have for centuries The deep powder roads of old now covered with broken pavement The older shepherds wave and smile broadly their junior shadows clinging to their skirts or toddling to take cover behind them The hope in their eyes is an infant miracle Beyond them, the tall reeds glisten in the sun and wave optimistically By the deep blue waters of the irrigation canals — ** Editor’s Note: This piece was taken from a book Col. State wrote about reflections of his time in Iraq.