As Disguise

“Unaccustomed as we are to public…”
we’ll just hide behind hedgerows
being careful no part of us shows,
(what part is that, my lord?)
We can make ourselves
less significant, pull in,
blend in ways unexpected and
our presence will go
unobserved.

What? Instead of hiding -  
now we must go into battle?
We can’t do that,  we’re   
listeners of drum’s rattle,
we don’t like battle’s
noisy bruises,  blood shattered –
have we been trained for this?
Where do we put our things
when we’re in battle,  
books, clothes, shouldn’t
I  be dressed for battle?
I am naked.

Perihelion, 2004