soldier (with a cigarette)

with a smile
she recounts the shot
which felled two men
as they begged
on bended knees
for some reprieve.
such singular pride
in a job well done
is no uncommon
feat (in this or any
age) which only
goes to show
the depths we so
willingly climb
for an ink-
stained rag
or scrap of land
(if given only half
the chance).