why do boys
play war
run around
shoot imaginary bullets
flank the enemy for a kill shot?
when bullets fly and bombs drop
tears flow from eyes.
the truth comes out
the brutality
of the real game.
they cling to momma
fists clench tight on her thigh.
their cries blend
with the nearly departed
little boys shut their eyes
to the grown up world
they wanted to be a part of.
