War has been on my mind lately, mostly due to reading Tim O’Brien’s, “If I Die in A Combat Zone”, which is a great read if you want to get inside the head of a soldier who spent time in the trenches of Vietnam. This poem was inspired by another author, the late Chris Kyle, and his book, “American Sniper”. Chris didn’t get overly political in the write, but he did make it clear that politicians, the press, and lawyers, are these days too involved in combat (from behind their desks) and the ROEs (Rules Of Engagement) they force upon our soldiers make it difficult to fight an enemy who abides by no rules at all.
A Losing Battle
Fighting an enemy disguised
Every woman, child, or dead body
A possible danger
Trained to fight and kill
In the name of freedom and justice
Beneath the watchful eye of the press
Attorneys dissecting each shot
To determine its righteous necessity
Were you or your comrades truly threatened?
Rules of engagement
Designed to line pockets
While filling flag-draped coffins
And the soldier… finger on the trigger
Niggling doubt in his mind
… Just before he dies
Copyright © 2013 C Mashburn
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Sherry Mashburn said
Oh, wow . . . very powerful write. It took my breath away!
charlesmashburn said
I guess you got it back? 🙂
Cindee Snider Re said
Wow! You’ve left me speechless and saddened by the abject realities of war, what too many are living, have lived. Regardless of how we feel about the war these soldiers are fighting, they deserve so much more, so much better than what we offer or extend. These are words that need to be read, because it matters.
charlesmashburn said
It is sad, Cindee. And, yes, they deserve SO much more.
Tony said
If the people who started wars and profit from them actually had to go and fight, there’d soon be many fewer wars.
charlesmashburn said
Exactly. But sadly, that has never been the case.
brian miller said
ugh…when i was working with the sheriff’s department that was one guys said if he ever pulled his gun it was to shoot to kill…at least that limited litigation to if it was justified…as if a court that was not there will ever really know….
charlesmashburn said
It can be a messy business
Mary said
And now I hear that the 28-year-old North Korean dictator is mad at the US and thinking about cancelling the ‘armistice’ that has lasted since 1953.
charlesmashburn said
It never ends.
Grace said
It’s hard to fight under the watchful eyes of the press, there will always be doubts and suspicion ~ I pity the soldiers at the forefront, they take much of the casualties of war ~
charlesmashburn said
So true. Thanks for the comment, Grace.
ayala said
Powerful and sad. Good write, Charles.
charlesmashburn said
War is always sad.
Truedessa said
This has some strong sentiments which creates a powerful write with words that hit..Well done!
charlesmashburn said
Thank you very uch!
Pat Hatt said
Rough ending indeed. Can’t hesitate I suppose as the other guy won’t, rough in every way, such war on display.
charlesmashburn said
Very true. Thanks for stopping by.
becca givens said
Very powerful indeed! Our military deserve the very best for the sacrifices they make for our freedom … (Freedom isn’t free)! Thank you for sharing!
charlesmashburn said
Yes, they certainly do! Thanks, Becca!
Stan Ski said
Just another means to an end…
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the visit and comment.
Polly Robinson said
Oh my, but that is powerful stuff Charles.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Polly!
aka_andrea said
it is amazing to me how much can be said in so few words. this is very powerful.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Andrea!
Susan said
Powerful articulation of the seriousness with which the soldier touches the trigger–and yes, behind the desk, the judges never risk their lives. This war zone has emerged metaphorically in USA public school education with parents and teachers serious about children and learning but not writing the rules.
charlesmashburn said
Good point, and very true.