War Poem by Abraham de la Torre

Unpremeditated, just a reflexive blink,
Was not as startled as the glitter of grime
Against the sun-streaked light.

The idea of a memorandum-laden airplane
Stirred the rust of my machine guns.

Unrelenting, my magazine would spew
Spurts of rage till the argument
Yields to the louder, more determined Soldier.

I would give my victory no rest.
It will die, of its own accord,
Among the intricate complexities of
Newer, better armament.

Rubber bands. Rubber sheaths.

My conscious song would be a beat
Rhythmic as a heart
Even as it skips
A splintered auricle.

I would want to be a mutineer.
I would hop and skip and leave them dead.

Ensconced in silk,
My wandering aircraft describes
A pocket.
The enemy is avoided.
Such daredevil feat.

The maneuver interrupting
The train of deployed dust.