BETWEEN WARS

The metallic sound of machine guns
in the orchard, woodpeckers on idle
smudge pots around Christmas Day.

We played army, built forts
of walnut leaves, killed regiments
of Japs and Jerries as Korea waged.

Only coyotes on my hit list now
that I am older, caring more for
a live calf than a cunning predator

with a taste for veal instead
of a ground squirrel—peace
only a moment between wars.

One response to “BETWEEN WARS

  1. Oh, those wonderful memories of childhood. Spending allowance at the war surplus store. Somehow helped prepare us for second halfhood

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