armistice

sent across a sea
to defend
against the tyranny
of ancient men
who make decisions
and divisions
look across the lines
to find
in other eyes
more in kind
than them
what sent them there
see the same
ache and despair
and kindness and hope
a Christmas armistice
tied with twine and rope
wrapped with a bow
for a song or two
in sweet tableau
before the brass
turns the screw
before the gas
begins again
before the guns
are manned
before the bullets
start to rain
once more
in no man's land