Lining Up the Sights [Contest Entry]

By Dan Zimmerman

By Mr. B.

He stole into the shop one night.
He crept and sleuthed, his footfalls light,
As I adjusted the rear sight
Of my Glock 17.

There was no warning of his entry.
(That dog, what a lousy sentry.)
No lock! It was elementary
To sneak in, sight unseen.

The bench top – crowded, misaligned –
Caught a shadow from behind.
I twisted ‘round. The light outlined
A figure coming near.

Onward came the bold invader,
(His height: 4 feet, maybe greater;
Shorter than a second-grader),
Grinning ear to ear.

“What are you working on?” he said,
Disheveled hair upon his head.
I told him, “Son, get back to bed.
It’s way past your bedtime.”

“I saw your light and couldn’t sleep,
Then snuck out here without a peep.”
His mother must be counting sheep,
Or else she’d know his crime.

“Can I stay up and watch you work?”
If I said no, I’d be a jerk.
I said, “Alright.” And with a smirk,
“Just don’t tell Mom, okay?”

He gazed about the bench and floor:
Rem Oil, gun parts, brass, and more.
“What’s all that stuff?” he did implore,
In such a tender way.

I told him, “These are Daddy’s guns.
I use them for sport, having fun,
Hunting, and our protection, son.
Each gun here has its role.”

He stared with curiosity
At every gun that he could see
“What’s that one called?” he cried with …Read the Rest

Source:: Truth About Guns