Featured Poem 4/10/03:

Twelve Wishes For Wartime

That the dogs of war on the eve of battle
Share their fleas with their general's clothes.

That codes of smart bombs be sent to dyslexic pilots
Who drop all their ordnance into the sea.
That tanks on the road to glory return to base
With the hiccups.

That soldiers on opposite sides in separate tents
Get sent by scrambled mail
The photos of each others' families.
That field commanders lose interest.
That subsequent orders begin with "If you'd like to . . ."
That maps of battle crumble like manna from heaven.

That the offspring of warring presidents shun them
Like spinach.
That the generals itch for peace.
That the checks for weapons bounce.
That vultures starve from lack of spoils.
That the troops sleep in this morning, tomorrow,
And as long as it suits them,
Knowing the sweetness of time on one brief earth.

© 2003 Richard Swanson

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