Give the Man a Gun

by Katriona Macmillan

Give that man his steel-toed boots.

Give that man a gun.

Give that man his armoured jacket,

Then turn that man face-front.

Teach that man to love the trigger,

Then teach that man to shoot.

Teach that man your world is better,

Then send him off on foot.

Watch that man from your high castle.

Watch that man as he spreads fear.

Watch that man subdue the masses

And keep them on their knees.

Bury that man who went to war for you.

Bury that man in his steel-toed boots.

Bury that man who can do no more for you,

Then teach another to shoot.