Some kid in class
said his big brother
(in the army)
was going to
a war zone.
I listened
like the others
imagining
the ra-tat-tat
of machine-guns
or snipers on rooftops
or big tanks forcing
their way
through buildings.
The kid said his parents
were worried
and his mother cried.
Where is
the war zone?
a boy said
(nosey ****
I sat at the desk
just behind
the kid's sticking
out ears reddening
with attention.
Brother said
he can't say
the kid said.
The collar of his
white shirt
was frayed
and more grey
and white.
The girls in class
stared at him
none wishing
to mother him
or show concern.
Mr Finn
entered the class
all stood up
and uttered
a welcome.
Sit down
the teacher said.
I wondered
if it came to it
if the kid's big brother
would make it through
or be shot dead
through the head.
May 13, 2017
May 13, 2017 at 10:54 AM UTC
Some kid in class
said his big brother
(in the army)
was going to
a war zone.
I listened
like the others
imagining
the ra-tat-tat
of machine-guns
or snipers on rooftops
or big tanks forcing
their way
through buildings.
The kid said his parents
were worried
and his mother cried.
Where is
the war zone?
a boy said
(nosey ****
I sat at the desk
just behind
the kid's sticking
out ears reddening
with attention.
Brother said
he can't say
the kid said.
The collar of his
white shirt
was frayed
and more grey
and white.
The girls in class
stared at him
none wishing
to mother him
or show concern.
Mr Finn
entered the class
all stood up
and uttered
a welcome.
Sit down
the teacher said.
I wondered
if it came to it
if the kid's big brother
would make it through
or be shot dead
through the head.
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