License For Violence

Fascination rodeoed on Jacob's face When Grandad related battle tales from his years fighting Vietnam War Distant fathoming is fantasy implored Rough ideas imagine a glorious place With regal intention, Grandad faithfully gifted his jungle enduring life saving switch knife Italian stiletto, retained in top condition Jacob thanks Grandad with astonishment The fine strong blade with honour he polishes Keeps it safely stowed at back of drawer Its service integrity seemingly assured Responsibility entrusted, Jacob acknowledges Two years pass, horrid puberty hovers Revealing sections with strange offers Teenager by curious cruelty besotted Living overseas after parents divorce His Father, Jacob's blame directs towards Though Mother and sister sympathise Depth of his heart's injury not realised Concept of vengeance dangles reward Rejected by fast forging peers, villified He arrives at midnight to party uninvited Logic abondons him, seething survives Beer drinking back yard teens, Jacob's target Blade illuminates license available in pocket Adrenalin aids the yank of sitting enemy by the shirt Veins driven to violence feed voice strewn with hurt Frenzied Jacob in chaos grabs weapon, then drops it "What the Hell, man!" shirt fronted spits, appalled Reality oozes in Jacob's ears, vengeance withdrawn Quick onlooker obscures blade, blind inside handle 17th June 2020