THE COMING OF WAR

His was a laughing life
with little-boy pride
and every day a gift.
His was a life of joy
with toys and friends
and cluttered boy's ambitions.
People gave him games
to see him smile.
He had a stuffed brown bear 
he would not sleep without,
then a little dog 
he loved to rough about.
Years brought poker games
and sports and girls,
beer and cars and parties
overnight.
He reveled in them,
singing with the sun.
Now they give him bullets and a gun.
I heard him laughing, happy when he'd won.
I wonder if he laughs with his new gun.

	Lucille Murphy