Somalia Remembered

C. D.

The ground shook beneath me
The loudest thunder I have ever known
It came out of nowhere
I am so far away from home........

The people here are a sight to see I tell you now
Many orphaned children all running around
Fathers' sons ready to fight
It's what they've been taught, it is not right

When it all changed, I really cannot say
Sympathy became rage, it was no longer a game
I shot my weapon on a day just for the thrill
I knew it would fire if I ever had to kill

Why did they have to be so cruel to us?
Did we not do our best for them?
Pulling out entrails for the whole world to see
They laughed as they mutilated them
They laughed as they shot their guns
They knew our hands were tied

Who has blood on their plates today?
Is it my government I trust?
Is it me as I write these words?
Just let it go here right now
Acknowledge your feelings and move on
You have to move on......

by C. D.
"Operation Restore Hope"-- Somalia Veteran

© 1997

[Photo courtesy of the Seattle Times]

Somalia Honor Roll