Fighter jets in formation
Above Ekeberg Hill
Remind me of years
Spent on airbases
During my time in the
Royal Norwegian Air Force.

I was stationed at NATO's
Northernmost base during 9/11.
Minutes after plane #2,
I was upgraded to
NATO Top Secret
Clearance.
Given live ammo for my P80.
Witnessing the colonel's
Marlboro Light shake in his
Usually steady hand as I
Approached; MSO briefcase
Handcuffed to my wrist.
There were papers inside
I was expected to
Die for.
I was 22.

Not even the police carry
Firearms in this country.
Not even the police are expected
To give up ghost over information.

For a nation of such ******
History, we maintain a mellow
Attitude.
We choose peace over "piece".
Gun-sense over violent nonsense.
Naïve? Maybe.

There are nearly no shootings here.
We've had one lethal act of
Terrorism since WWII.

We can live with that.
Literally.

there were cracks
of lightening
that fell from the sky
like chains
of stars
held together
by electricity

searing the earth
rain beating across
pale skin
dark skin
no skin
the minds
under colour
cursing
one another

we have choice
and there is still
no freedom
from the oppression
we have been forced
to create

Old tired and broken like some worn out shoe
WHY? After all I served my country and paid all my dues
Now all I have left is this torn threadbare suit
The thanks from my country for doing my bit
For the next few hours I'll just wander the streets
If I'm lucky find a doorway, have a few hours sleep
Food! Well at my age a littles enough
Maybe a discarded Macdonalds or a hard stale crust
YES, I served my country,  saw comrades die
Now I wish I'd died with them, beside them to lie
My only crime was to grow frail and old
And who's going to mourn me as my body grows cold

NOBODY because nobody cares