Pat Recruits Francis


     Tap, tap, Pat backwards eyes closed, a blind
     boy walking in a minefield. Landmines in "ST"
     sounds. Stone Stab Stare. Pat Anticipated

                 The first day was hard
                 waiting to say his name out loud.
                 Pat was Francis then.

     Mules talk, pigs stutter, school was
     a landmine, the street a battleground.
     Pat dug a trench, dug it deep
     crouch down with Francis Stationary.