Fragile Warriors
Under the glass counter an army of soft drinks dressed
in green, yellow and navy blue, stood facing a smaller,
but more potent army of bottled beer.
In the corner, looking splendid and golden topped,
a few bottles of alcohol-free lager stood somewhat
hesitant, didn’t quite know which army to join being
met with contempt by both sides.
A giant, pale blue one litre bottle of water that could
quench anyone’s thirst a hot summer’s day, suggested
the Alcohol-free should be arbiters if it came
to war; this gave the hybrids a sense of purpose and they
glowed in self importance under fluorescent light.
Not that anyone takes note of what peacemakers say, till
it’s a stall-mate and armies need a break to rearm and
enlist more non-returnable