11-19-2022, 07:50 AM
Tools
I’m looking at a photograph
black and white, 1930s
(really, shades of gray)–
it’s the “Reich Labor Corps”
marching past swastika-bearing
Nuremberg reviewing stands
with shouldered shovels
at the goose-step.
It’s said they marched
with entrenching tools
for lack of rifles.
Yet older men knew well
and must have told their sons
that while rifles may at times
discourage enemies
good trenches save your life.
I’m looking at a photograph
black and white, 1930s
(really, shades of gray)–
it’s the “Reich Labor Corps”
marching past swastika-bearing
Nuremberg reviewing stands
with shouldered shovels
at the goose-step.
It’s said they marched
with entrenching tools
for lack of rifles.
Yet older men knew well
and must have told their sons
that while rifles may at times
discourage enemies
good trenches save your life.
Non-practicing atheist