author's note: points of view switch a bit, hope it isn't too confusing.
Battleground
A chilled and frosted winter's morning; snow and paperwork piled high;
One more long report completed, twenty nine to go...deep sigh.
Coat still damp from morning role call, trace of melted ice on floor.
Pen is poised with ink replenished; noise distracts past office door.
Footsteps heard on wooden floorboards, light and confident, brisk tread.
Murmured words, a stifled giggle; listens in with rising dread;
Calm routine is interrupted; battleground prepared instead...
~0~
A knock, a soft and clear announcement; instinct is to keep him out;
Block a round of verbal sparring. Clear intent becomes vague doubt;
Barring entrance altogether won't, alas, improve his day.
A token protest at intrusion, might provide enough delay;
Time to shift a glass decanter, time to snap a hinged box shut,
Time to brace himself for conflict. Just a lowly prisoner, but,
One who has a surgeon's skill and knows precisely where to cut...
~0~
Now he's at the threshold, smiling; parody of smart salute.
Attitude rings warning bells; a scheme, a plan to execute.
Innocuous initial gambit; in his hand a scribbled list;
Heat and light and food and clothing, Red Cross parcels sadly missed...
List gets longer, items mentioned, ever more and more absurd;
Deadpan tone despite the indignation sparked by each new word.
Agreement made on first few matters; not quite sure how this occurred.
~0~
Meagre patience sorely tested; list is crumpled, cast aside;
Response; crossed arms crease leather jacket; order to retreat defied.
Smirk replaced by new expression, full of hope and innocence;
Appeal is made to camp commander's sense of justice, influence.
Failed escape; one man in cooler, facing sixty days, all told...
Plea to shorten lengthy sentence, well-used strategies unfold;
Picture painted of a firm, fair minded leader, heart of gold.
~0~
Negotiations carry on, despite attempts to call a halt;
Moves and countermoves concerning circumstances, who's at fault.
Somehow the discussion also turns to Russia; transfers east,
An option if protection, due to perfect prison record, ceased.
Numbers flitting to and fro, till days in cooler fall to eight.
Satisfied with bargain made; a strong desire to celebrate;
Takes advantage of distractions; two cigars to liberate...
~0~
Goals accomplished, parting half salute and smile, the meeting's done.
In his wake; relief, and some confusion; who has really won?
Conversations with this captive colonel rarely go as planned;
Hard to work out how the one imprisoned gains the upper hand.
Shakes his head, returns to pile of paperwork, sees crumpled list;
Suddenly, he sees quite clearly everything he may have missed.
He also sees the Russian front, and shudders; dangerous thoughts...dismissed...
~0~