Gregory Richard Barden Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Country's Conscience

1963
          By then "we" knew
                    Our country's leaders knew
          (Before that, really - the intelligence was clear)

We were in a war we could never win ...
          More money, more resources, more troops kept going
                    Billions and billions of taxpayer dollars
          Given almost freely and continuously to a lost cause

President-after-president, leader-after-leader
          Supported the effort that they knew was inane, futile
                    All for the sake of embarrassment
          Husbands, sons, brothers, friends, fathers

Priceless lives given so administrations could say -
          "Not on MY watch! I will not risk failure!"
                    "Let the next POTUS pull out and be called the loser!"
          Countless families torn asunder
          
For an effort that was lost before it had begun
          Literally.
                    I pray ...
          Every night I pray

That they did NOT sleep well ... ever
          And that EVERY lost soul that died under their watch
                    Is waiting before the Pearly gates to greet them
          And ask them the question ...

Why?!?

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Daniel Turner May 11, 2018 at 11:09 AM Why indeed? In a short answer, MONEY. Everything has to do with money. Another great write, Greg. Gregory Richard Barden May 11, 2018 at 6:53 PM You are so right, My Friend - it is what spins the world, sadly, and we must counter it with love and kindness, not MORE hatred. Many thanks, My Friend.

Tom Cunningham May 11, 2018 at 2:02 AM Every time I turn on the TV there is some conflict going on somewhere. But now it has got to a point where it has become the norm. What a state our world is in. Tom Gregory Richard Barden May 11, 2018 at 6:52 PM It's very sad, Tom ... I hold out hope for humanity, but it's VERY hard to do these days, surrounded by hatred and violence. Blessings, Friend.

Carole Duet May 11, 2018 at 12:40 AM Wow, Greg! You hit the nail on the head. I totally agree and yet here we are in never-ending war all over the globe...in my opinion, more to the benefit of the military industrial complex than to the benefit of the people. Great, great poem...and a fave for sure. Gregory Richard Barden June 30, 2018 at 7:55 PM Thank you so much, Carol, this means a lot to me. I keep leaving a thank-you here and it keeps disappearing, and I have no idea why, but I hope you know that I am very thankful for every kindness you show to me and my work! Blessings, friend! :-) <3