SHOOTING SEASON for Olive Senior

I've never had a serious relationship
with a gun
She never spoke to me in a pleasant tone
and macho never
meant much to either of us

I would just assume
and be content
stirring brews with women
all night long
Be it coffee chocolate cerassie
or better yet white rum neat
wrapping pone and tying leaf
sporting enough for me

With no gun or pack on my shoulder
I wave the shivering children
in from the doorstep
until the little boys
join the little girls
screaming
FLY BIRDS FLY
RUN BEASTS RUN