Territory

His sawdust face cracked like a stone

into a smile

as we shook hands.

I could feel every tangible fear

in his grip,

every child he had to protect,

every bloodline lost.

Behind me I heard the laughter

course against my ears

of slaves and men.

And in front

the soft voices of thick-skinned

silent hunters.

The mountains in the distance splayed out like a fan before me.

I wondered if God was watching.

And then I heard into the future-

the hiss of oncoming arrows,

the blast of friendly muskets,

the loving tears shed with a million screams.

So I paid 60 cents for peace.

And they paid with their homes.