ray pool

HANDGUNS

by ray pool

Tuesday 12th April 2016 2:00 pm

The handguns took such little space

at the military fair in their glass topped case.

Would that I could have lifted the glass

caressed their cold hard reptile face,

but tracing the ruthless route they had travelled

how many lives had come unravelled?

and yet my desire was unabated

as separated from fact or fiction

as is gravity from weight and friction

without their firing pins intact

a separation of fiction from fact.

collectors' dreams are cold compressed

and don't require a bullet proof vest.

🌷(1)

guns

◄ HUMIDITY

BRING BACK THE GHOSTS OF COMEDIANS ►

Comments

raypool

Fri 15th Apr 2016 10:29

Stu, I think the Tempest was a nice handful, but never tried one. Thanks.

Mark: Sounds like you were a regular Clint Eastwood. Thanks for sharing. Apart from a footplate ride, I fancied the experience of a gun club one off; I shied off at the first hurdle. I still think about legitimate gun owners who have turned on their families - but it is after all the tiny minority I suppose.

M.C. Newberry

Thu 14th Apr 2016 17:51

This subject is rarely found in poetry and the popularity
of guns - particularly handguns - in fact and fiction
makes it relevant.
Ray - at one time I owned four handguns: the Colt .45
previously referred to (circa 1882) with a 12inch Buntline
barrel that made it a memorable experience to fire (not
often as the cost of ammo was an old shilling per round
then!). The S&W was even more impressive - and even
more expensive!! The other 2 weapons were a 9mm
Star self-loading pistol and a .22 target revolver.
I maintain that anyone properly introduced to - and
familiarised with - firearms can gain self-discipline and a healthy respect for their capabilities. The problems
exist with the urban criminal "cowboys" who see
them (like the poor dogs they acquire) as some sort
of power play for their mean existences. You are on
the money about knives (include machetes!). They
are easily obtained & hidden, making them doubly
dangerous in criminal hands. The advent of tasers
is surely a response to the regrettable frequency of
their possession and use. But perhaps better tasered
than shot!

Stu Buck

Wed 13th Apr 2016 20:59

i myself had a webley tempest. a fine gun, went clean through a shed.

raypool

Wed 13th Apr 2016 19:57

Thanks guys for all these comments; Stu, that line was tricky; to get face In the singular to rhyme with case and space , but maybe all the guns have one face like a reptile has scales(grips) . Glad it worked. As kids we used to have air pistols (Webleys) and Dianas.

Martin, pleased you liked this. A rather bleak unpoetical theme, but hey, i'll try anything!

Mark: very interesting case history. I bet that 45 had a kick to it! From the social perspective - probably knives are the more insidious rogues on the street, and don't come with any guidance.

M.C. Newberry

Wed 13th Apr 2016 15:40

When I held a firearm certificate here in the UK, I was an
"authorised marksman" in my job and used the personal
possession of pistols for handy additional practice.
I remember the steely beauty of their design and
finish, from the vintage Colt .45 Cavalry model (a gift
to myself from Tom Collins' gunshop in the Old Kent
Road back in the 1960s) to the really intimidating Smith &
Wesson .44 Magnum...allegedly (and believably) the most
powerful handgun available. If I had gone camping in
wild animal territory, it would have been my choice.
I take the view that firearms are a necessary evil in so
many ways, but that properly taught and supervised,
they can instill a respect and discipline above and beyond the fear that many unfamiliar with them can
experience when faced with their presence.

Martin Elder

Wed 13th Apr 2016 15:32

I agree with Stu this is a good poem. I also like the line

Would that I could have lifted the glass
caressed their cold hard reptile face,

There is a real imagery around caressing and holding a gun, but as has been said I would not want to use one in ernast.

Stu Buck

Wed 13th Apr 2016 08:27

great stuff ray. cold hard reptile face is wonderful, as is the idea of the firing pins being the separation of fact and fiction. i like.

raypool

Tue 12th Apr 2016 15:35

Nice to have your response, Wolfie ; we all have our weaknesses and its big of you to take this wide open attitude to what is basically pretty condemnable. Perception is everything. I find the gun mechanically intriguing and there is a certain almost lascivious quality for me in the wonderful conception. Morally, crap and I tried to steer a clear line in the poem . As you know, I have to be honest. At the military fairs you get a certain kind that love dressing up . Saddos - probably piss themselves if you threatened them.
Love what you're coming up with - a hard act to follow, damn you!

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