A man came to my door
claiming witness to atrocities
committed on my behalf, but
in places I had never been.
He said I was duty bound
as a citizen beneficiary–
whether on hillsides of poppies
bodies explode, or not–
to stand behind our rightful leaders.
He offered digital images for sale,
un-enhanced, if I preferred.
If I preferred, guilty charges
made first in ancient texts
illustrated by monks, could be had–
actually his biggest seller–all certified.
I sent him away.
I alerted friends to his scam.
But, I checked local news in case;
published articles did appear,
but made no local accusations.
In fact I inferred implicit guilt.
Amazed,
I could not disprove any atrocities
on any dates cited
by any surrogates
killing thousands in my name.
Confused, I went to the mountains.
Heavy snow fell, drew me in,
quietly deep. I shook, although relieved.
The National Geographic
reports deprivations in deep
snow abet atrocities.
