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We Never Learn
By John Swainston, Army
Writing Type: Poem
By John L. Swainston
VA Medical Center--Kansas City, MO
They fought the war.
Not because they wanted to,
it was their job.
Some were wounded.
Some were mutilated.
Most will be scarred for life.
Vietnam taught the policy
makers nothing.
Never had they been in the field.
Never taken fire.
Never ate a meal from a can or bag.
Around a mahogany table they would sit.
Padded seats–aides behind.
Not one general at the table.
Not one member of the Armed Forces.
Discussions only ended when
the decision was made.
Let’s do it again–
AFGHANISTAN.
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