H.E. Mantel

THE ORANGE DRAGON, STOPS!

“Hi, Jennifer!” “Hi.”
“Are you taking the bus to-
Day?” “No.” “Oh, oh you’re

Waiting for a ride?”
“Yes.” “From who?” “From my Mom &
Dad.” “Oh… b’but they’re…

in Irak, aren’t
they?” “Billy, d’you know how
many seats are on

our Busses?” “Uh… ‘bout
thirty-three?” “No, more!” “Why?” “ ‘Cause.”
“ ‘Cause, why?” “… ‘Cause… not

even 17
of our big Busses filled-up
are enough to drive

to that horrible
place where our Moms & Dads &
Brothers are living…”

©Copyright September 13, 2008 by H.E. Mantel

Author’s Note: Commissioned for “A Hero’s Journey”, an Anthology about the children of war and the interminable consequences that war has on their lives, compiled and edited by Erik Ekstrom.