What Are You Holding, Son?

"What are you holding, son?

It has a familiar glow."

"It's just a gun--a toy

You gave me years ago."

 

"What are you doing, son?

Where are your old toy guns?"

"I grew quite bored with them.

I wanted more powerful ones."

 

"Why are you smiling, son?

Has something caught your eye?"

"I've found more challenging targets:

Those wild birds passing by."

 

"Where are you going, son?

I hear your laughter no more."

"You shouldn’t have to ask;

I'm off to fight your war."

 

"Why are you sighing, son?

Why do you feel so bad?"

"I've seen humanity's flaws;

The knowledge makes me sad."

 

"Where are you lying, son?--

In a place that's safe and concealed?"

"Safe? Bah! I'm lying

On a war-torn, barren field.

 

"Why are you crying, father?

Couldn't you foresee

That the fate that befell others

Could also happen to me?"

 

(9-21-15)