jungle gunner
the people didn’t ask for war
but it came anyway
a sharp steel column
marching on soft green island
while hornbills and Willy wagtails
scattered squawking
war was ready to
mix cement lay guns
and wait
ready to take daughters
bayonet babies
& set things back a century
no, longer: the wounds were
deep, jagged, angry
ripe for infection for generations;
(healing’s so hard
in this tropical heat)
how did it feel
tensed in the narrow-eyed bunker
hoping/not hoping for something to happen
ignoring the soothing voice of the waves
while all day everyday they sighed
home
your home
you’re home
this is your home
how much listening would it take
to know we’re all on one ball?
