weight

standing with a rifle slung across my chest
it's the weight, that bothers me.
no longer is it a weapon, but a weight

two magazines of ammunition
each round capable of dealing death,
more weight. nothing but weight.

batteries in my torch
energy for light
heavy, d-cell batteries.
weight.

water in my bottles,
weight.

bayonet on the webbing
edges dulled, useless
weight.

goretex jacket in the back pouch
protection against rain
weight.
a cushion against the wall
still, weight.

i shift the rifle sling on my shoulder
five more hours to go.