Hunting Hogs In Humboldt County Poem by Raj Dronamraju

I don't hunt and I have never held a gun
But I would listen just the same in high school to a classmate telling me about hunting hogs in Humboldt County during summer vacation

Losing his favorite dog to a goring by an angry boar
Was a deliberate dramatic high point
With the boldness of saints and the coordination of flamingos
He spoke of pursuit of flame joweled swine

Finding a job earning minimum wage was slaughter enough for me
I'll put to death the dreams of recreation
I'll mount the head of lethargic idyll on my wall