The Old Soldier Speaks Again
Why did you think it would make me proud
To go abroad and kill a man
Because some fool averred you can?
Didn’t you understand?
Didn’t I teach you use your head,
To look before you charged ahead,
To question orders, take a stand?
Didn’t you understand?
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BY GARY CORSERI
Why did you think it would make me proud
To go abroad and kill a man
Because some fool averred you can?
Didn’t you understand?
Didn’t I teach you use your head,
To look before you charged ahead,
To question orders, take a stand?
Didn’t you understand?
You think some medal on your chest
Will bring your blasted eyesight back
Or stop the screaming in your head?
Didn’t you understand?
God lift my bones and let me stand
By my son’s side before he dies
And catch the tears when my son cries--
Why didn’t he understand?
God grant this foolish race of men
Mercy first, and foremost, then
Justice and a wisdom-heart.
And may they understand.
Tell charlatans who yawp for war
To send their own child first, and more—
Let them hold a dead child’s hand
So they may understand.
Not drums of war are beating now; but breasts
Of mothers, wives, are beaten, and their cries
Jar heaven—O hell on earth!
Why didn’t they understand?
___________________________
Gary Corseri has taught in public schools, prisons and universities. His work has appeared at World Prout Assembly, Dissident Voice, Palestine Chronicle, TeleSurtv.net, CommonDreams, CounterPunch, The New York Times, Village Voice, Uruknet, City Lights Review, Atlanta-PBS, Thomas Paine’s Corner and elsewhere. His books include: Manifestations (edited); Holy Grail, Holy Grail; and A Fine Excess. He can be contacted at: corseri@verizon.net.