War Memories

In winter, sprawled on soft cushions,
replete and warm, munching on chick-peas
and drinking sweet wine by the fire...
that is the time to ask each other:

As if to Odysseus:
"Who, from where, and why, art thou?"

- Or with a wink:
"And how many years are on your back, Bold-Heart?"

-Or, quietly:
"Had you yet reached man's estate, when the Persians came?"