4091. DETERRENCE

DETERRENCE, 1958

(twelve feet underground)

It used to be the Soviets, I can remember it well:

we'd hover, thinking back to when all began - dad

cursing the skies, mom cowering in confusion and fear.

Star lights and satellites up high above  -  whoever knew

the difference, not us. If it moved up there, suddenly we

were told, it belongs to them. They would have us if

we let them  -  had to be prepared, had to stir the

menace down, be ready any moment. Dig down

underground, or pierce the sky, our very own,

with rockets too. What a fucking, zany,

rocking life that was. Saltine crackers

and a jar of honey, twelve feet

underground.