Monday 5 December 2011

Afghanistan by Raud Kennedy

In bed, prolonging the moments
before pushing back the covers.
The voice on NPR, a reporter in Afghanistan,
refers to the spring fighting season
as if he’s announcing the opening
of ski season at Mt. Hood Meadows.
I brush my teeth, minty fresh, extra whitener.
Death tolls from suicide bombings.
Toweling off after showering, it’s total US casualties,
a number that could be the population figure
of a small city. A city of dead young men and women.
The refreshing lather lifts my beard
as my triple bladed razor shaves my face kissable smooth.
Tell me again why we are there while I am here.



Raud Kennedy, Oregon, USA

4 comments:

Crafty Green Poet said...

Raud Kennedy is a writer and dog trainer in Portland, Oregon. To learn about his most recent work, Portland, a collection of short stories, please visit: www.raudkennedy.comor follow the link in the blog post.

Martin said...

You ask a question that troubles many of us, Raud. I'm not sure that a truthful answer will be forthcoming, any time soon.

hateschildren said...

This is so sad, but very well written.

http://ifuckinghatechildren.blogspot.com

wheatgerm said...

sad but true