Playing with Guns

By: Raul G. Moldez

Their world is fun Drooling the fluid of life.

Revolving around Even at fragile age,

The territory of fantasy. Their bones are flinty.

Yet their hands hold Climbing mountains

Not battery operated Is their ritual

Toys and dolls but rifles From dusk to dawn.

With curved magazines Now their world

Guevara’s local version Is black, forlorn

Tutored them how to pull Like a shadow.

The triggers of death

Until the live targets

Vague in camouflage lie,

Questions:

1. What is the feeling of the speaker toward the children described in the poem?

2. What kind of life do this kids have?

3. What kind of future will they have?

4. Do these children like what they have been trained to do?

5. Do you agree that the children in the poem are deprived of their childhood? Defend your
answer.