Young Man with Assault Rifle
There’s really nothing new to see here.
Civilians lie prone on the grassy land,
heads raised to spot the moment’s foes,
which only increases the risk to them.
Behind them, a young soldier races:
clad in standard camouflage and kevlar,
eyes fixed, his weapon at the ready.
We’ve seen all this before, but where?
Do we really need a list, and if so,
how to order insanity’s legacy again?
(after an undated and untitled photograph from the portfolio, “Early Works,” by Nick Hannes)