Pineapple

Because of the hand grenade’s natural tendency
to resemble a pineapple

It is not unusual for a soldier’s mouth to water
when he is about to lob a hand grenade

Much as it is natural for a child to cover his ears when
he sits down for a delicious dinner on a faraway island

Or at a restaurant that says
“We serve hand grenades” – in Poughkeepsie.

Yet you must feed the soldier
and you must not scold the child

Nor should you praise the child
for the child was quite rude
But why?

What was the child thinking?
Whatever it was, he must stop

Stop child, stop

Do not think those thoughts
of paradise
 
 
 
Ricky Garni has worked over the years as a teacher, wine merchant, musician, and graphic designer. He began writing poetry in 1978, and has produced over thirty volumes of prose and verse since 1995. His work can be found in many online publications, print magazines and anthologies and has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize on six occasions. COO, a tiny collection of short prose printed on college lined paper with found materials such as coins, stamps, was recently released by Bitterzoet Press.