Red Indians

Red Indians We'd fall like Red Indians dying in that tall fragrant summer grass Small bellies weaving in and out with exertion of bloody battle past Or a ladybird might catch your eye while conflict fades in a midday sun the world might grow perfectly still scented in a child's dreams and fun I remember now the heat of hands and transient soft warrior bow Excited screams fading on red lips the peeling bark on twig and bough The shouts of anxious mothers our pleading, disappointed reply Cotton white shining clouds sounds of play beneath purple sky Tonight we will sleep in candied dream crows feather lying on our bedroom floor Tomorrow we will fight our lifelong foe child soldiers in the fields of war.