Don'T Be Mad At Them Poem by Kyle Schlicher

Don't be mad
at them.
They are caught
in the
middle.

They know
nothing
of the modern
world.

They exist for today.

The three
water buffalo,
a few rice patties,
a thatch hut,
this is their concern.

They know nothing
of
politics.

They ask
only
to be
left
alone.

This will not happen.

The column
of
American soldiers
walk
the dusty road
through
the village
during
the
daylight hours.

Nighttime comes
and the
Charlie soldiers
come out
and
tell them
what to do.


(3-23-1971)