Submitted by Ron Nash
Monsoons
sodden tiger-fatigues
and boots,
miserable respite
three days,
rest and relaxation.
The village secure,
simmering tubs,
cigars, alcohol,
and cannabis
muddled thoughts of dying.
Girl-son’s
olive skin, smooth
silky words,
amorous moments,
Quiescence
First love?
And all the children came…
Warm and friendly,
muddy faces,
gentle eyes
GI has candy…?
One child stepped forward
securing the soldiers leg,
sealing their fate.
Smiling back,
reaching for the rucksack
and candy,
unaware…
The jeep ran red,
flesh-fragmenting-bone,
nothing left
of the boy-man.