Tanka: Upon Finding Out the Colorado Springs Murderer Is Mormon

I could have argued
recipes with his mother
over funeral
potatoes or watched him fold
more than his share of gray chairs

at a fireside or
anyone’s baby blessing
I could have nudged him
when we told the story of
laying down weapons of war

are you getting this?
I could have said, then again
he could have nudged me
when they spoke of musket fire,
a Prophet’s proclamation

he could have asked me
the same thing after each hymn
marching as to war
with the cross of Je e sus
going on before

yes, well . . .
we’ve made our choices.