The Old 333 (Mandatory)

by Peter Greene

illustrations by rhoda penmarq

The Old 333 (Mandatory) the old people who were forced to join the Army when their years ran out; boots bots and guns or a mandatory  death  chamber: together in adversity, they formed a regimental association, ex changing tooth-brushes, dentures and orthopedic inserts saving the last scraps of their lives together in a little headquarters building near the armoury on Bay; coffee armchairs and few veterans, mostly  grizzled newcomers grace the seats the Old 333 doesn't have many returnees when you go to war at sixty-five, still alive, still strong in heart enough to qualify, you don't expect a welcome home, just a cemetery that, and a little pillaged time for chess and tea; the only ones on the battlefield who take naps  in the fighting repost: the  touching endearment    of old chaps and their wives doing suicide missions on their last night together: the fine letters home from a grandfather who won't be back for Christmas but sends his love and a jar of enemy ears,  with raisins pickled in plundered brandy ©Peter A. Greene 2012