Outflanked
Boys sprawled on the floor
intent on setting up their army men
The floor cold and inviting
The stare of a teachers eye
The curve of her smile at common play
So there’s a movie, The Rules of Engagement
that is *the internal rules or directives
among military forces
ROE defines the circumstances
conditions, degrees and manner
in which the use of force
or actions
which might be construed, as provocative
may be applied*
so I innocently ask a question kids
have no business understanding
nor have an answer for, nor
for that matter do I have
a comprehensive understanding
of statement
but I ask anyway
because such flops
often come into my brain
and out of my patootie
What are your rules of engagement?
Just then a grandfather leans into my ear
You want to know what the rules of engagement are?
You get that son of a b***ch, before he gets you!
He goes on to tell me he’s reading
Tea with Terrorists
and says you don’t
I think by then I had fallen off my chair
and was lined up with the army men
2/5/2021
Based on my true story!
*Between asterisks, definition obtained from wikipedia
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
