end of hostilities

when i

have lost

as much

as gained

and smiles

are painted

prostitutes

 

its only

then that

whittled

circumstance

dictates i

stow my

gun and

sheath the

bayonet

 

with promise

not

to scorch

the earth

behind me

as i leave

Author's Note

i want you to hit me with whatever your mind is wearing

Reviews

[Kathy Van Kurin]

alan peter kelly,
"end of hostilities"
Harsh brittle the problems-complications-difficulties humanity is capable of, even outright stupidity at times. But these traits can also be the place where the human heart finds itself in a reality-check and does an about face and goes in the opposite direction.
"Lost as much as gained..smiles of painted prostitutes..stow my gun..sheath my bayonet.."
The last line is powerful!, "With promise not to scorch the earth behind me as I leave."
That is how I took it anyway.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Emily B]

I came back to visit. Good to see you here.

[Moonflower]

Smiles are painted prostitutes...I fell in love with this phrase, very clever, great piece from you, I really enjoyed it.

The last stanza really shook me. I visualized the entire piece. Nicely done.

[Emily B]

I think the verb form should be sheathe . . . or maybe my ignorance is showing . . .

I love your brevity, every words stands to attention

[Khitii Lae-Ahn]

task completed...gun stowed...bayonet sheathed...it is time to rest....strong...and beautiful write

[MNeilsen]

I liked this. Reading it I pictured a confederate soldier.