How to Find the Beauty

Inspired by a brooch made from bullets, Kaiapoi Museum.

The bullets are usually found in the sand,
often around a day after a battle,
make sure it’s safe and don’t stay for long
or you may find one without warning.
Come after battle. Say you’re scouting,
when really you just need a break.
Two is all you need, maybe more, maybe less,
whatever you decide. Choose the ones
that glint at you. Avoid the bloodied ones.
Ignore the sounds of gunfire,
the sounds of bombs,
the sounds of men losing their lives,
the sounds of war.
Focus on the bullet in you hand.
Let your thoughts be all you can hear.
Focus on turning them into something beautiful.
Survive the rest. Make it home,
and seek out someone who can give it
the golden swirls of Dorothea’s hair.
Seek out someone to make the bullets disappear,
to give you a brooch in their place.
Go home.
Give your gift.
Be at peace.