From Vietnam to Iraq

I nursed him at my breast
When he was small
And watched him
Grow into a man,
So handsome and so tall,
My only son,
So filled with love for life
And youthful zest,
Of all in life I ever knew,
I love him best.

He died last night
Amidst the paddies of Vietnam,
His body torn to shreds
By claymore mines,
While politicians
Spouting senseless platitudes
Smoked their cigars
And partook of their wines.

There are no tears
Left in my eyes to shed,
I'm bitter and alone and old,
My world, my only son is dead.

Again, kids are sent
To Iraq to die
And mothers cry,
Lives lost because
Of fools, oil and a lie,
No earthly reason why...

Alfred Charasz
Copyright 2007 Alfred Charasz