fire a gun
in the war
where pigs
say things
that offend
moms and babies

“Men, I assume you have written letters to your loved ones. Please forward them to your commanding officer. You may very well die here tonight on the field of battle. The battle means nothing and neither do you. We are utterly pointless”

the war has meaning
each tree and tent-pole
has is leaning
into the fire
ignited here
(or there)

Please send me a letter as soon as you can. We have food. The men have not returned.

now the woods are lumber
some kind of number
recited to praise
in so many ways
the hometown killer
the will
of the people
weeping women
protecting sleeping
babies, the way you
slay me
please don’t pray,
we
need to sleep

“The burial will be attended by minimal troops. The front, a raging campaign, occupies us. We will never, ever admit defeat. You will carry us to the next world, womb of the flag!”

I’m a winning bone
Tonight, we sleep alone
in this, our home
the child all grown

(some kind of bomb)

2

Text and Images © Andrew Auten – All Rights Reserved

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