Evacuation

Total estimated casualties, including civilians and Taliban 171,000 to 174,000 all in the cause of a very dubious war, returning Afghanistan to what it was 20 years before, and abandoning some of those who helped and are now likely to be hunted down and executed. This doesn’t include the injured, physically and mentally. Is there any cause for any Politician to have any pride in this. My dangerous journey starts, No time to dawdle or tarry, Just a few belongings, reduced To what I can easily carry. My life rolled up in a backpack Slung from one shoulder, My departure documents tightly Clasped in a plastic folder. Walking slowly up this gangway Into the bowels of this plane Twenty years of change and hope After the Taliban’s harsh reign. Goodbye sere mountainous land Harsh, severe, it used to be mine, It’s all behind me now as I sit Lucky to be on this evacuation line. Most of my life under occupation, I can barely remember the Taliban, A child when they left so I grew Up in a very different Afghanistan. A harsh and hasty decision made Causing many to hesitate and grieve Before taking the only real decision, It’s time to pack up and leave. A life of uncertainty in a new place Heavens knows where it will be Only one thing certainly known We’ll have the status of refugee. There’s a sense of fear and betrayal As your occupation finally ends, The clock starts to turn back as Our New Dark Age truly descends. . You have much to answer for After such a long stay Just to suddenly decide To up and walk away. As you retreat once again Do you really expect The rest of the world To still treat you with respect.