911 In Remembrances of Vietnam

[Timothy Gega]

911 In Remembrances of Vietnam

Gone are the men
who’ve glamorized war
in video archade games
beyond the Vietnam Shore.
All religious zealots
painting children’s faces
intent on settling some
futile ancient score
in too many far away places.
They craft their great slogans
and such powerful memes
that are all designed to
exploit our young’s dreams.
Revenge is mine
so sayeth the lord
as these wealthy men
unsheathe their battle discord.
They enlist adolescent bodies
by the tens of scores
as we bury our young
now from shore to shore.
What good does it do
to draw these hollowed swords
when collateral damage
becomes the final score.
Our dads and brothers,
or sisters and mothers
that all gave valiant fight
then suffer their deep wounds
in each silent horrific night.
We’ll be seen as victors
is what they all do say
as they rack up profits
in their usual billion dollar way.
Promises are always made
to bring them back home
but once here on our soil
they are left broken and alone.
Flagged draped coffins
is what we see as we salute
our dead young vets returning
in an epic misery.
Hearts now are broken
Souls have no more rest
lives here are challenged
but not by those behind a desk,
saying kill-kill-kill
until there is not one more left.
In the name of God
who would do such a thing
to seek revenge
to let freedom ring?
We've raised our flags
in this silent respect
while the walking wounded
pile up in neglect.
Such a sorry state
that this country is in
when seeking a revenge
which no one ever wins.
This war for profit
letting these lobbyist win
over their broken moral compasses
that allow these killing games
to begin
all over again.

(For Jack, 1952-1973 USAF) RIP

©2014 Tim Gega