GROVE TROOPERS
by Michael Hanson © 2006
Thus morning spilled upon the rank
and file of yellow, red, and green
encamped on ancient riverbanks
brave staggered rows of orchard trees.
A harvest war their looming fate
upon the morning bugle call
barbarians with wicker crates
attack with mindless hungry gall.
Yon valiant doomed defense is drawn
'round crusty spiny warriors
soon overwhelmed and slain upon
this battlefield of apple gore.
At dusk the massacre abates
and orphaned seeds renew their fate.