A4T - *Man*uscript Letters
A practice in getting back to the art of platonic brotherly adoration
My Dearest
,I hope this letter finds you well. While your letter was poetic and artfully written, I can only hope that mine is suitably received and the tone not lacking in the earnestness with which I write this.
It has been some years since we first met, and I am truly grateful for this chance to pick up our brotherhood where we left off - not that a brotherhood of any true merit (and certainly not one forged in service) ever truly leaves or is set down. Bonds like ours are merely delayed the gratification of immediacy for stretches of time while life sets other things in our way - some for the better and some for the worse.
While my time in uniform is still foggy for me - I didn’t get to do nearly the things you did - I look back on the few memories of that time, both in uniform and as your friend, fondly. The military was a finishing school I would never repeat, but would never take back. The tools I developed and friendships like yours are what have helped sustain me and make me resilient over these ten-plus years.
That, and most entirely that, is what I miss about my time in service - the “battle buddies” I made. I think daily about the members I served with, with whom I still keep in touch, and how I would gladly greet every one of them with a beer and a hug should they find themselves in my little town.
I know you have been watching me over these years and knew that my voice needed a companion against which to lob ideas, concepts, and discussion pieces. However, I would wager that you didn’t think I would respond so immediately once you reached out.
The truth is, your request to have me talk with you and your audience satisfied two things. Those who things meant I stood no chance of denying your request (not that I ever would), and to reinvigorate my ability to try and produce content even half as poignant as yours
Firstly, the ability to reforge bonds with others like us in our own “army” of sorts out here in the civilian world. That’s what it was all about anyway - not some blind allegiance to our reigning oligarchy, but brotherhood and sisterhood found in service to others, with varying levels of a desire to do good… warriors meant to never back down from a fight. Why would, or should, we back down from it now? The uniform is in the past, but the heart remains.
Secondly, having someone actively ask me to spend time with them (even better, time with a cause). In this darkening day and age, I find that I have fewer “friends” and more “buddies.” Much like battle, life can feel more and more like being fed to a meat grinder, and that our only value is found in how we can serve. So, when a brother such as yourself actively seeks me out for company and my voice, how could I ever refuse? Such care, even briefly, is fleeting of late, and I choose to cherish it any time it presents itself.
In short, and in closing, I am both happy with the chance to rekindle such a brotherhood… and happy to see how we can spend time in each other’s company in the pursuit of good and humankind.
—Yours Truly,
Jacob “Cap” Summers