11 a.m. (poem)

Sitting here at work

Not working/but thinking

Instead of Halloween

When I hear TAPS

Seeping through the typewriters

(like blood around bones?)

Making some wise remark

About cheerful music to work by

I'm shot down

By the lady next to me:

"It's Veteran's Day."

People are still typing though,

No moment of silence today

But business as usual, and

Although this lady looks almost sad

Uncle Sam wants you.

—Mary Ann Starus, 1971