As the NATO grenade
nestles its chilled tint
of nature near my
unworn boot,
I see his face.
The face of Jesus –
engraved in the ream
of blackened tape,
circumference.
Thornless ring
pinned to the head
that gushes blood
not of his own.
And as you take me,
Savior,
to the limb-freed
paradise that no
book, no myth
shall ever know,
may this prayer—
