I could have put this in the arts or political debate forums, but I'm putting it here. I think it's relevant to today's situation.

On Being Asked To Write a Poem Against the War in Vietnam
by Hayden Carruth

Well I have and in fact
more than one and I'll
tell you this too

I wrote one against
Algeria that nightmare
and another against

Korea and another
against the one
I was in

and I don't remember
how many against
the three

when I was a boy
Abyssinia Spain and
Harlan County

and not one
breath was restored
to one

shattered throat
mans womans or childs
not one not

one
but death went on and on
never looking aside

except now and then like a child
with a furtive half-smile
to make sure I was noticing.

My Dad served in both Vietnam and Korea.

and not one
breath was restored
to one

shattered throat
mans womans or childs
not one not

one
but death went on and on
never looking aside

thank you for sharing. it's rare when i have a chance to read published poetry. i never seem to pick up a book of poetry, except in literature class and i don't think many people actually enjoy those classes. damned assigned readings and all.