None of this was done in isolation. For this reason I need to thank and acknowledge the following for their incredible personal and professional contributions to this experience – and this book.
To my team – you know who you are. Past, present, prodigals. You mean the world to me.
To those who have served and to those who continue serving – I’m honoured to be counted among you. I truly hope I’ve given us an accurate voice. To the fallen, to the families, to the wounded – inside and out – I’m humbled by what you have given, and what it cost. We’re in your debt. Thank you.
To the entire team at Coteau Books – to Nik and Geoffrey – I’m so glad I knocked on your door. Thank you from my heart for answering. To my amazing editor, Elizabeth Philips – your insight and guidance were invaluable to me and both this book and my writing are far better for it.
And lastly, to the One who shuts the mouths of lions. I’d be nowhere without You.
“Man from Uruzgan” and “Disconnected” first appeared in Prism International.
“July in Brishna Kot,” “Incoming” and “Naming The Sound That Took His Life,” first appeared in The Malahat Review.
This manuscript was completed with the generous assistance of the Canada Council for the Arts.
About the Author
Kanina Dawson is the author of several works of literary non-fiction published in magazines such as Event and subTerrain. She has been awarded numerous prizes for creative non-fiction since 2001.
Masham Means Evening is Kanina’s first published poetry collection and is based on her experiences while deployed as a serving member of the Canadian military in Afghanistan. Kanina lives and works in Ottawa.
Masham Means Evening Page 6