Friday 18 July 2014

Thin red line

I pray before battle.

When dawn turns our red coats visible to living eyes we muster in hollow square: a porcupine of pike men, halberdiers and our priceless, shrinking rifle company. We wait, frantically deodorized, for the dogs to howl, the horses to shy and for Boney to arrive. After three dark-skied winters of war the enemy’s clothing has mostly faded to the nothing-grey of hell as Boney seeks the regimental band’s drumming ‘Zulu.’ Exceptionally, princess pink dye hasn’t dulled much during three ash-raining years. You need God’s forgiveness when shooting a crossbow at something wearing a Hello Kitty dress.

5 comments:

Helen A. Howell said...

Loved this opening to the main para. 'When dawn turns our red coats visible to living eyes we muster in hollow square: a porcupine of pike men, halberdiers and our priceless, shrinking rifle company. "

Steve Green said...

Quite a poetic piece, very atmospheric.
Is this three years down the line of the zombie apocalypse?

Cat Russell said...

I have to admit to being a bit confused by this, but I adored the last line!

Unknown said...

I dare say a hello kitty anything is a great target. But maybe that's just me.

AB Singer said...

Sorry I'm late getting back to you guys - life: can't live with it, can't live without it.
Thanks for calling by, and yes I have been thinking how defence against slow zombies might be organised by the survivors in Great Britain. Alas, as ever, I didn't paint a clear enough picture for everyone with my hundred words. More confusion (and poetry) to follow...