fire

some men are soldiers.
their masters politicians.
war of attrition.

can you smell the night?
musk of man, devil’s perfume.
all expanse no room.

slow is the night watch.
hard to see things in the dark.
demons or angels.

some are empty husks.
less have strong moral mettle.
but i can’t find them.

recall november.
fireworks and the world wars.
memory and loss.

blues are on my shoes.
backbone slipping between hips.
sorry state of news.