artwork: ralph murre
Scout’s Honor
by
Ralph Murre
Merit
badges for tying knots -
the
bowline, the sheepshank, the clove hitch.
Merit
badges for whittling the likenesses
of
dead presidents and woodland animals, and
of
course, for assistance given to the feeble
in
their never-ending quest to cross the road.
Maybe
they should keep handing them out.
The
badge for showing up every day
right
down to the day they tell you
not
to show up tomorrow.
A
merit badge for the day
your
infant son needs major surgery.
Another
for that day he’s grown
and
buys his first motorcycle.
Badges
for each of your daughter’s tattoos
and
piercings. Diamond insets
if
you can’t really mention what’s been pierced.
A
merit badge, or, at least, a colorful neckerchief
as
your party loses another one.
(
But it could be taken back if you move to Canada
Bronze
medals for burying parents.
Silver
for friends.
You’d rather die than win the gold.
A
merit badge and letter of commendation
the
day you actually give up your abuse
of
anything, or anyone.
And
a little badge of semi-precious material
for
every day that you get out of bed
and
wear a brave costume.
One
for that confident smile on your face
as
your knees tremble beneath the table.
~ previously published in Crude Red Boat
(Cross + Roads Press)
