Rules of Engagement
by Nathan A. Baker


Thinking of baseball
The soldier adjusts his web gear
And taking weapon in hand
Remembers his senior year:

Only eighteen months ago
Last game of the season… the rules
So many... and so many
Rules taken far too seriously

Grabbing the door he climbs
Inside the camouflaged vehicle
It lurches forward in procession.
Some erroneously think war is a game

And proper rules of engagement efficient
But war isn’t a game and baseball
Having no requirement for blood
Is generally over after nine innings of play.






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