The whore bath.
Today they asked the USA Generals. Would they kill United State citizens? The Military was used often in civil matters in the history of the USA. This poem is based on some training I had in the military. We were asked questions that are impossible to answer. Soldier do what they are told. Yes Soldiers would kill United State citizens. Years ago my unit was sent to L.A for the riots. We were issue combat rounds and were in battle make-up and gear. We would have killed anyone who wanted a fight. Thank God. No-one attempted.
The whore bath.
Large shining teeth telling me the way to heaven. I will find my way to paradise by a gift to his good christian cause. His teeth shine brighter. His mumbling of a thousand words left me feeling dirty. I get a damp cloth. I wept the words away of another greedy man. Another whore bath in a life of too many useless words.
The Captain tells me. I own you. You will do what I say, even to death. I’m in-charge. I try to wander away but he keep speaking. I’m feeling dirty. I go to the latrine and get a damp cloth. Another whore bath in a life where the words are eating away at my soul.
I sit in a classroom. The instructor asked me. If I was ordered to kill United States citizens, would I? I tell him I would kill the officer who gave me the order. But my words become weaker with each second the instructor shower me with his blood song. I began to understand. The sweat poured down my face and I go to the backroom. Damp some paper towel and wept my face. One more whore bath for a man drowning in words, he is forced to accept for a few pennies, beliefs only a mercenary could believe.
Maybe if I was a high paid whore. I could live with the things I must do. but there is nothing as bad as a cheap whore.
(We must think. Every decision is important. We live in a land where 18-21 year old learn to kill before they learn to love and enjoy life.)
Coyote
Soldier inhuman. Human in soldier. You make the distinction very clear, between soldier and policing, and the confusion of survival. As you say, free people will not easily be controlled, but freedom is a responsibility which begins in the heart of each one of us. Your poems say it, having been through the mill.
LikeLike
Soldiers must use wisdom too. All human life is important. Can’t allow violence and fear to control us. I pray for peace for our world. Thank you for the comment.
LikeLike
Well considered.
LikeLike
I wrote the poem a long time ago. We must keep our balance and control. Military teaches soldiers to be a team with one purpose. We must stay human and appreciate all life. Thank you for the comment.
LikeLike
interesting and moving text.
LikeLike
I believe we must decide what is right or wrong. Soldiers need to be used to protect us from the enemy not used against the people of their country. We must be careful. The land of the free is becoming a question. We must keep the beliefs that made this country great. I appreciate the comment.
LikeLike
Thus the problem is clear. Your last line defines it better than any other.
LikeLike
New tech will control new Soldiers thoughts. Government want more control. We need Soldiers to be human and do the right things. I saw the changes in my 15 years in the Army. War is not the same. Thank you for the comment.
LikeLike
bold and relevant
~
thanks for sharing
LikeLike
I lived through Kent State and I saw the Army in Detroit after the riots. Our leaders are thinking ahead. The wrong thoughts. Need to fix the problems. Not create them. Thank you for the comment.
LikeLike
There is nothing as cheap as cheap whore … and nothing as lonely as solder on a dead-guard … or I used to think so. I continue to enjoy your writings.
Take Care,
Daniela of the Lantern Post
LikeLike
You are right. Thank you for the comment.
LikeLike
Strikingly said with power.
LikeLike
Thank you for the comment. Old words are still true today.
LikeLike
Can’t hit like on this… This aspect of this world and all its complexities and horror makes my skin crawl… It is a thick and messy debate to which there are no winners. Hate the concept of humans killing humans.
LikeLike
I heard the question that was asked to our General in the USA. Military is not police officers. Dancing on dangerous line when soldiers are used to be policeman . Look at the Middle East. Soldiers put in bad situation. Will react. I pray for better days.
LikeLike
Very powerful writing … I wept when I read your last line…
“We live in a land where 18-21 year old learn to kill before they learn to love and enjoy life”
LikeLike
It is scary when our children volunteer for war. Because no opportunity. We must educate the children and open doors for opportunities. Thank you for the comment.
LikeLike
These are the realities that people on the other side of the world do not see,I pray that your poetry,family,friends and your current life shower you with so much joy that they flood over your hard times!
LikeLike
Not hard times yet. Can be if we allow the actions of people with wrong goals. You can’t control a population. Free people will not easily be controlled. Thank you for the comment.
LikeLike
when soldiers are tools, a nation has lost its way.
LikeLike
I agree. I was used in Atlanta and L.A. My unit was ready to do what must be done. Soldiers are not police officers. They are train to fight and survive, When a Nation uses Soldiers. On the final step to bigger problems with dead-end road of violence and bad deeds.
LikeLike