line the shelves
endless rifles +
discarded shells
where death punched a hole
in a living skull
where are the artefacts of peace?
Row after row
of battle charms +
soldiers caps
brothers in arms
their history preserved
on browning paper
but where are the artefacts of peace?
Medals, swords +
bloodstained khakis
isn't it a little tacky/
hopeless
to reminisce
about pain?
Why not
instead
put a smile on a wall?
a flower in a case
testaments to human
endeavour
or is that all too
sickly-sweet
better to greet
the reaper
with open arms?
Perhaps no cause
to mummify hope +
dreams +
stuff them
mount + taxidermy
joy in a museum:
these things
like stars +
moonlight +
cosmic needle + thread
far outstretch
our juvenile
cat-and-mouse
game
of aching +
suffering +
pain
In years to come
when earth is done
no dry tongues to speak
this line
between punctual
contractions of grief:
where are the artefacts of peace?
