Gerry Benner, a Vietnam veteran, renders an analytical view about war. Written during the summer of 2003,
it attempts to look at the internal thoughts and motivations that foster the actions of both participants.
Young innocent men, the dread of war Walking streets that beckon like a whore Little children and kindly old men, and yet, Those that glare at you, aiming to settle a debt Looking out at everyone by the side of their eyes Aiming to do things that we all despise Rally around the cause boys We’ve got Jihad and toys And who cares if we die Our God will not cry He’ll rejoice in our resolve To stymie the Bald Seeing themselves as already dead Some people are easily led Not thinking or analyzing or pondering why But doing and acting and preparing to die Do they really understand? What idea rallies for killing man? Act out with blind face Glorious days are upon our race Who cares if we’re misguided fools As long as we use our forsaken tools To fight for the men that rule our day Giving promises of a more virtuous way We’re led by many, and who knows right Is it a battle of ideas or a battle of fright? Do they lace their actions - with valor of glory? Or is fighting for freedom their battle story? Whatever it is, men die, mothers cry; And the whole world wonders why. Why do people fight to taunt rather than tell what they want? Our might, might give them what we need But does it plant the freedom seed Providing substance to fill their soul with necessities that make life whole Giving families a means for substance and bread, fostering lives with purpose rather than dead Well here’s what they may say: When we ask: What is war all about anyway? Stopping abuse and misuse of one man’s homebred society, Fulfilling a land with an eclectic ideology, With freedom and peace and social viability, And raising families with love, honor, and integrity? Am I naïve to think that man can get along, that everyone can be accepted and will belong; or will we always have men leading us astray dreading the approach of each and every day? Oh the woe in Iraq this year of 2003 What will ever become of me? Pity, hopelessness, and despair Walking streets that murmur beware We’re going at a chaotic pace Trying to help this mixed-up race Full of people with different views Most wanting to set the rules Trying to build a country With hopes to be free Rockets, grenades; it’s no fun I’m here holding the gun Forcing a new culture to evolve What the freak did we solve? Evil faces watch me everyday What are you doing here? they say Hopeless faces saying you’re in over your head, Watch out for yourself or you’re gonna be dead Children’s faces smile quite naïve Whispers that easily deceive Strapping on bombs without any fear Where the hell are ethics here? Who protects the weak, the poor, and gives society a bit more? Shall we leave it all behind And pay it no mind? Sure we’ll hope for the best, but this mess will never rest We can’t listen to the vocal few Or just satisfy those in the pew We must capture the voice of all And establish freedom for the small and the tall.
Copyright, 2003. This poem is meant to portray the thoughts of our soldiers, as they ponder the everyday events as well as the political and social agendas that override the entire situation. It is meant to bring some insight, and hopefully in some way, some day, lead to a more peaceful world (my attempt at world peace as viewed from my Howdy Doodie, Leave it to Beaver, Star Trek, Beatles, Mash, Zappa, Suess, and regular life experiences). :o)