Aftermath

I did everything you asked Obeyed every legal command When as a teen you sent me To that not quite alien land. They spoke the same language Looked just the same as me But behind that appearance lay A land of conflict and cruelty. We stood out in the open Uniformed on the street Never sure of the reception We were ever likely to meet. Sometimes bricks and stones Screaming their hate out loud Sometimes bombs and petrol From a rioting dangerous crowd. They dressed in normal clothing Hidden out there in plain sight Sometimes we made mistakes, Didn’t always get it right. Sometimes in stressful situations We didn’t always ask why, Just acted in self preservation Because nobody wants to die. The terrorist, now freedom fighter With much blood on his hands Is now the politician in power Holding sway over that land. After so many long years They want to step back in time Bring me before a court Accuse me of a war crime. I did what was asked of me Obeyed every legal command As I struggled to survive in That not quite alien land. Now they’re ready to sacrifice me For a perceived political need, But that’s politicians for you mate, A despised and despicable breed.