The Axeman Cometh

December 2nd 1942. The first man-made nuclear chain reaction is achieved in Chicago.

When Leo and Enrico come to play,
The other boys and girls all run away;
It's not rackets that they're after,
But the sound of insane laughter,
As the predatory birds begin to pray.

When Leo and Enrico fetch their axe,
There's no time for anybody to relax;
The other kids all scram,
And it's wham, bam, thank you ma'am,
As the fat controller fills in all the cracks.

When Leo and Enrico take the field,
You know that they will be the first to yield;
The other children weep,
The other children sleep,
Behind the promise of a poisoned shield.

Russell J Turner - December 2009