MY FATHER

"The Pentagon is lying
about the war in Iraq,”
my father swears suddenly, on our way
to the post office.

My father, who worked as a high school teacher
for 30 years in Lake Hiawatha.

My father, who umpires little league games
when not tutoring veterans at the VA hospital.

My father, who still views my politics
with some suspicion.
30 years ago we agreed to disagree
about nuts and bolts of the Vietnam war.

Every day he reads the Daily News.
More speeches about freedom and democracy.
More boys coming home in body bags.
More blood for oil.

My father, who does not say much,
but when he does
does not say much
he does not mean.

"The Pentagon is lying
about the war in Iraq,”
he swears suddenly, on our way
to the post office.

If my friends the socialists
say that, that is one thing.

But if my father says that,
then surely it must beat
in the hearts and minds
of many people.

--Christopher Butters
Used with permission. Originally appeared in the Summer, 2010 issue of Blue Collar Review.