for Juan, Don, and John

start off with:
roast beef or stroganoff - cook as taste dictates
mix in all the trimmings: potatoes, corn, onions, gravy, etc.

add 1 bottle of Merlot (slightly chilled)

when all is ready to be served
sit two or more history buffs down at the table

mix in:
plenty of lively conversation
while they fill up for the long battles ahead

once the meal is completed (dessert optional)
move the history buffs into an adjoining living room or den
in front of a television (larger the better) and connected VCR-DVD
(lots of coffee is recommended at this point)

now add various war movies
(documentaries are acceptable if none available)

suggested titles:
Patton
Saving Private Ryan
Sands Of Iwo Jima
The Battle Of Britain
Das Boote
Apocalypse Now
The Blue Max
The Final Countdown
Zulu
Charge Of The Light Brigade
or anything else for that matter
featuring various strategies, tactics, weaponry

while each movie is playing
mix in ample amount of discussion
on who, what, where, when, and why

allow for serious yet friendly analysis, debate
on what might or might not have happened
if any armchair general present had been in command
during the actual battle

although not necessary
it might be wise to pause or even stop the VCR temporarily
to allow discussions to play through

when the parties involved have run out of energy and/or time
separate them as diplomatically as possible
and on their way home
with a promise of future get-togethers

wash all dirty dishes from related meal


© 2001

1,120 hits as of October 2024

11/10/2015

Author's Note: Published in the chapbook, Twenty poems for twenty years, a tribute to Juan O'Neill, edited by John Woodsworth, Ottawa, Canada (2006). ISBN 0-9730202-2-9

Posted on 11/10/2015
Copyright © 2024 Chris Sorrenti