Firing the M-1 Garand
In our backyard, my father,
who never talks about the War,
demonstrates the proper way
to use the sling on the .22 rifle
I bought with my allowance
to play soldier with my pals
in the dump off 95th Street --
cans, bottles, maybe a rat or two.
He winds the strap tightly
around his left arm, puts the butt
up to his shoulder, then raises
the rifle to firing position, keeping,
he notes, the right elbow high,
taking a deep breath, then
holding it. When I try to follow,
he adjusts my elbow, tells me,
“Remember: never aim your rifle,
loaded or not, at anyone you’re
not prepared to kill.” He lets go
of my arm and, to fIll the sudden
hush, adds, “I meant just don’t
point guns at people,” then turns
and walks quickly away.
