the war is over

an old
man
pulls at your
sleeve
as you stand
in line for coffee,
you turn
around to see
that he is old,
but smiling,
with brilliant
blue eyes
that almost
frighten
you.
yes, you say.
what? did you
hear, he says,
no, you reply,
what, did i
hear what?
the war is over
he says.
it's over,
the boys are coming
home. the war
is over.
this makes
you smile and
buy him
his coffee to
celebrate
the news.