fix bayonets

my friend jimmy

who just turned 63

shows up

in a camouflage uniform

and a bike helmet.

come on, he says.

let's go,

we're heading over to fight

in the war.

i'm on my first cup

of coffee.

in my old bathrobe,

actually my

ex's bathrobe,

it's a peach color and 

a little tight.

he's holding a rifle

with a fixed bayonet.

let's go he says.

damn commies

are at it again.

aren't we a little old

for war,

i tell him. my feet getting

cold on

the stoop.

no way, he says.

once you get into battle,

and the adrenaline kicks in,

you're 21 again.

okay, i tell him, maybe.

coffee?

sure he says.

do you have any cream,

two sweet and lows?

maybe those little debbie

cupcakes?