CHECKPOINT
The peacekeeper,
flak-jacket buttoned to the neck,
blue helmet fastened tight
under the chin,
rifle slung across the chest,
muzzle pointing at the distant ground,
trigger finger tensed
along the trigger guard
switched to automatic.
Alone he stands there,
holding the road
in front of wire entanglements
and tank-stops
in the narrow chicane
of a sun trapped checkpoint,
left arm raised high,
the palm of his hand
facing the threat.
Michael J. Whelan
Published recently in L.E. Poetry Magazine April 2017 issue http://liveencounters.net/le-poetry-writing-2017/04-april-p-w-2017/michael-j-whelan-the-hero/
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