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Playing Games

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Little boys, playing games
out in the back yard one summer after noon.
They were friends at first
but now they've chosen sides.
They walk on the other side of the street
and throw rocks at each other.
Those silly boys, will they ever make up
will they realise how foolish it is?

Big boys, playing games
in alien lands and foreign waters.
Some were friends at first
but now they've taken a stand.
They dare each other to cross the line
and hurl insults at one another
Those silly boys, will they ever get it right
will they realise how foolish it is?

   so now they're making threats
and the world is spinning threads
threads of protection

Put down your toys
   you silly boys
and cure this vain infection. . .

© 1986 john r. chase


all you modern history buffs might challenge the date of this one, which was written after hearing a news report about the "line of death" that president reagan had drawn between lybia and the mediterranean. after hearing that it reminded me of two neighbour boys having a fued and daring each other to cross the line. i actually put this one to music.