Back to Issue 5

Ultimate Xbox by Kenneth Brown

The M16 is a killing machine.
In the hands of the bitter, those wanting revenge.
Taking out their aggression...on those with...no defense.
When death's in your camp, apathy knows no end.
Minds are clouded, hearts hardened.
Taught to kill with the best.
It's the ultimate Xbox!
Rack up the most, win a medal on your chest.
We should all be ashamed, but who is to blame.
Who will confess, when death is the game?
Once, All American boys, with American dreams.
Now, hearts and hands turned to stone, wielding M16s.

False Dragons by Kenneth Brown

That's a good commercial.
The one where the Marine slays the dragon.
Where the beast turns to ash, after he slashed him.
I wanted to be a dragon slayer too; it seemed like fun.
That's how they got me...they got a lot of us...with that one.
In basic, they fill your head with all kinds of stuff.
Mainly that you're a badass; rumble and tough.
They tell you; "You're the meanest motherf**ker in the valley!"
You're led to believe...that your enemies will fall at your feet.
That once they see you, they'll turn and run,
But that's not they way it's really done.
Oh sure; they won't come out in the open and fight you the same.
They fight from the shadows; sneak attack's their game.
How many've we killed, and still they remain.
This beast we're facing; the serpent Iraq.
It's a nine headed monster...
How do you put a slaying, on a dragon like that?   

Brick Snowmen by Kenneth Brown

I was reading this website about atheism The author asked a good
question; "Why do people build snowmen?"
They're here for a short time, and once they're gone, There's no
evidence they existed at all.
That's pretty powerful...if you let it sink.
We're snowmen too, I started to think. Humans I mean.
We're not going to be here much longer; we're losing this race.
We're screwing it up, at an increasing pace!
And the sad thing is...we're doing ourselves in.
Over this planet, our reign will end.
That bothers me a lot, so if you don't mind, I've got an idea to leave
something behind.
When this winter comes; I suggest...
Build many snowmen, but build em' with bricks.

Bio: Active Duty soldier currently serving in Iraq
Age: 37
Published: Soldier Tears http://www.lostbeatpoetry.blogspot.com/
           Don't Run!!!
http://www.gotpoetry.com/Poems/l_op=viewpoems/lid=9507.html
           Troops Wife
http://www.gotpoetry.com/Poems/l_op=viewpoems/lid=9544.html
City: Warner Robins GA