 | OFFICIAL NOMINEE FOR THE
2000 PUSHCART PRIZE ANTHOLOGY
FROM RED RIVER REVIEW |
On the back porch
In the early evening,
Around the old aluminum table
with the smell of citronella
Under the pine trees,
Between the horns of Sousa,
During the quieter parts
My parent's voices leak through
Like battle cries
In contrapuntal dissonance.
Mother's high and piercing
Like a bugle call to arms;
Father's more like low brass
Holding down his position.
And I, the flagbearer of reason
Hold the banner high between them
As they flank each other
Through the smoking grill,
Making their maneuvers,
Prepared to charge.
I retreat, sip coffee and watch
The humble beginnings
of war.
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