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)