the tomato garden war

as a boy,

a young boy.

it was all about soldiers,

tanks and guns.

imagined battles.

trench warfare in the back

yard,

using your mother's

tomato garden

as a battlefield.

the dog running off

with a tank

in his mouth.

indians

and germans.

jungle warfare in bushes.

making noises

of explosions

and bullets flying.

it was war.

not over until your

mother called you

in for dinner.

yelling from the screen

door,

telling you to wash up.