War Story

War Story

[I count the] days remaining before closing my eyes.

They key is in the toy box, I said, but I didn’t believe the words.

It will take time…

Knocked myself out.

There was a might crash and screams of anger as the assaultees [kicked] up clouds of dust.

Hail, hail and welcome, brave Defender, a voice answered.

give in graciously

Then summon your troops. 

You are not me and I am worried 

answer the question or I will

Why is a good question. 

I smiled and let the silence stretch before I spoke.

I swallowed a calm-and-collected pill 

[The] effects of the calm-and-collected pill began to wear off. 

didn’t really wake up until I broke one of the fruits open.

He placed a small recorder on the table, stepped back. 

Our jailers are most generous in their desire that we be entertained

Yes, of course, she said, stepping back. 

The artifact must be found.

What about the prisoner?

They all turned to look at a red box on the table. 

I was sent to warn you. 

This was all done with ruthless efficiency. 

And the door opened below me.

Who knows what hazards thy delay may bring?

We push them headlong with our arms and feet.

Thus wander travelers in woods by night

What had happened on the island was accepted

War shall the country waste and change the state.

It was three o’clock in the morning and for an hour he trudged on

He was smiling widely and I let my smile mirror his.

His words were drowned out by hearty masculine cries of joy

Yes, one off to your left. 

Usually, by the time I had exited the launch, he would be calling me.

Spontaneous creation would you believe! 

I’ve done nothing wrong.

Impossible, he growled in his usually friendly fashion. 

Just a bit more.

Great idea.

I had scribbled the note by the time he came back, slipped it to him

when I took the glass. He opened it behind the pitcher, read it.

He moved aside and pointed at the very deadly-looking collection of

mobile military hardware behind him. All guns, clubs, wheels, knives

and metal teeth. Teeth for tearing out throats?

He looked startled at my tone, put it back on the table and turned it

Drink this, all of it. Ill hold the gun.

and the darkness became even more intense.

10/01/08

Poem based on spam—only a few words added for clarity.