Boy Assassin

i.m. Anteo Zamboni 1911-1926

Colin McGuire

You shot at Mussolini as flowers fell
across the open car, as he was turning
the corner of via indipendenza. Schoolboy
anarchist. Your bullet struck the Order
of the Saints medal, pierced il Duce’s
jacket, passed through the top hat
of the Mayor and embedded itself into
the upholstery of the door. Why couldn’t
you catch him in the throat, head, or heart?
The crowd lynched you, right there and then,
Left you, swollen by the side of the road. If
The war is over or if the war is about to begin
No one is sure, but they keep coming round
The corners, Anteo, they just keep coming.

First published in Issue #29

Colin McGuire is a poet and performer from Glasgow, known for his dynamic, engaging performances. He has been widely published in anthologies and literary journals, and he is also an ESOL teacher and mindfulness meditation practitioner.