Ketchican Wrestling

by Jennifer Rae Vernon

You look like you wrestled 140
5’5, medium broad, crew-cut, redhead

My uncles wrestled, and my brothers, too
I’m standing in the airport line, watching you

You wear your tee-shirt proud, Ketchican wrestler
white cursive on dark red

Bet you spit to make weight,
ran stairs in snow pants

Cocked head, no jacket, you earned it
still, got both hands in your pockets,

Eighteen, going home for Christmas
duffle bag hanging from shoulder

Camouflage print
military’s got you in their grip

Little one. My Jesus wish?
halt the combat

That makes ours Vets
and Satan’s rich