Voting With One's Feet
Voting With One's Feet
(American Peace Corps Volunteers)
Let me sing the 'American Peace Corps,'
Its heart for so much of the world
Though by governments youth are exploited,
There brotherhood's flag flapped unfurled.
Some who served on return would get drafted,
And died, as they fought in war's haze,
But now motives of nations got questioned,
This labor of love, I give praise.
They built roads, served as teachers, forged friendships,
Malaria fought (a good war?),
Served as lawyers, brought justice to nations
Held hostage to greed, drought, and more!
Sons and daughters of poor 'ARE' the US,
They walk, swim, and dream their success,
Don't just labor to seek self-advantage,
Would soothe where the rich serve duress.
Clear the way for tomorrow's best future,
You plunderers, rapists of land,
If it turns out you wind up in prison,
May Nation's heart, Love be our stand!
As we vote with our feet to serve brothers,
Let's honor their trek to our shores,
And as Science, as Justice raise all boats,
New privilege help them forge oars!
Brian Johnston
5th of August 2018
Poet's Notes:
I served in Tanzania from 1964-1966 and in Malaysia from 1970-1972.
I hope that I did some good in both places but know that I was a clear
winner in this exchange. I was 1Y during the Vietnam War but had
several friends that sadly died there or were gravely wounded.
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