Winter Range

Winter Range

The guns are never far away.

I like being outdoors
with the snow falling
in fluffy, wet flakes,
and as far as I can see
the world a seasonal delight.

What I don't like
are the nearby gunshots,
someone practicing their aim
while disturbing my peace
and violating the white surrender
of this beautiful winter day.

I see a tranquil scene,
but I hear a world
at war with itself.

Bang!
(now the echo)
Bang!
(now the echo)
Boom!
(now the echo)

I close my eyes
and picture crimson snow.

The winter is speaking,
yet I can't quite hear its words
with all the bang, bang, boom
of those mindless bullets.

---

But from each crime are born bullets
that will one day seek out in you where the heart lies.
~ Pablo Neruda