License For Violence

Fascination rodeoed on Jacob's face
When Grandad related battle tales
from his years fighting Vietnam War
Distant fathoming is fantasy implored
Rough ideas imagine a glorious place

With regal intention, Grandad faithfully gifted
his jungle enduring life saving switch knife
Italian stiletto, retained in top condition 

Jacob thanks Grandad with astonishment 
The fine strong blade with honour he polishes
Keeps it safely stowed at back of drawer
Its service integrity seemingly assured
Responsibility entrusted, Jacob acknowledges 

Two years pass, horrid puberty hovers
Revealing sections with strange offers
Teenager by curious cruelty besotted

Living overseas after parents divorce
His Father, Jacob's blame directs towards
Though Mother and sister sympathise
Depth of his heart's injury not realised
Concept of vengeance dangles reward

Rejected by fast forging peers, villified
He arrives at midnight to party uninvited
Logic abondons him, seething survives

Beer drinking back yard teens, Jacob's target
Blade illuminates license available in pocket
Adrenalin aids the yank of sitting enemy by the shirt
Veins driven to violence feed voice strewn with hurt
Frenzied Jacob in chaos grabs weapon, then drops it

"What the Hell, man!" shirt fronted spits, appalled 
Reality oozes in Jacob's ears, vengeance withdrawn 
Quick onlooker obscures blade, blind inside handle



         17th June 2020
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Welch Avatar
June 28, 2020 at 9:46 PM
Teenage males minds...a powder keg without older male guidance.
Ermine Avatar
June 28, 2020 at 10:28 PM
Cheers, yes, fictional depiction of mild version of sadly common occurrences.
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