Camouflage

Among the leaves
a rifleman turns in the dappling
of light and branches,
bows to the thunder
of distant guns.

Among the leaves
a young man lies hidden.
His mouth moves as if to speak.
A prayer, perhaps.
He bleeds out on a bed of grass.

Among the leaves
a tiger roars to life.
A formation of uniforms
scatters into the hedgerows,
quiet as jungle cats.

Among the leaves
cicadas scream in the sun.
Great black serpents
uncoil from fiery machines.
Death reaps the plenty of war.

 - D.N, Knight