The Colonel

It was a rose
Sudden
Born of fire
In a buckwheat field where they met the most decisive battle of the war
His leg was parted from him in 1942.
He has heard history and the laughter of history.
What is imperishable?
Cough syrup, a razor, last month’s rent, and the like
During the skirmish of his wife’s sewing machine
He feels the only thing that can capture him
Is the sun.