The soldiers sat watching the moon
Like it was their job.
Caressing the sharp points
On their jackets;
Eating grapefruits
Warm from weeks of travel.

Have you seen my compass
I gave it yesterday
No
Check your pack

The soldier checked his pack
Found the compass
Stared at the moon.

When I look at something for too long I don’t see it anymore.
What do you see?
Nothing.

The soldier bit into the grapefruit
Wishing it were someone’s lips.
Both quiet.
Both alone.
The soldiers sat watching the moon
Like it was their job.