We Are A People Of Peace Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Sir?
There is an elderly woman,
Carrying what appears to be roses...
On the battlefield.

'That's preposterous.'

No sir?
It is not a rhinoceros.

'I said preposterous.
Like a hippopotamus.'

Sir...
What we see is not anonymous.
We all see it is a woman.
What shall we do with the roses?
Sir?

Sir?

'I'm not getting paid enough.'

Sir?
Will you make a decision.
That's all we ask.

'I would love to tell you where to put them? '

We are closing in on a nearby town.
We could ask if the woman would like us,
To locate a vase?
This will prove to everyone,
We are a people of peace.

'What is going on?
WHAT IS GOING ON?
Has EVERYONE gone mad? '

No sir.
We all are very calm.
It is a little hot.
You are the only one shouting.
Maybe the heat is beginning to affect you?
Perhaps you've been on too many missions of peace?