Every war ever waged by humankind from ancient time til NOW has produced not only broken minds and bodies but also ways in which combat Veterans cope with stress, mental anguish, or just to beat back their demons. This has been expressed in oral stories (war stories many embellished), written memories, art, music, painting, and yes poetry. I'd like to mention some of their heart felt feelings. Note I say heart felt NOT hate filled. The Mustang Major

You Are Not My Enemy 

By Drew Cameron, Iraq Veterans Against the War

  You are not my Enemy

  my brother my sister

  but I have done something wrong

  and perhaps I am now yours

      I went to your home

  I went inside

  soiled your rug and

      bullied your children 

  You are not my enemy

my father my mother

  I drove on you

  threw garbage in your window

  burned your garden

  and spit in your water

You are not my enemy

  my grandmother my grandfather

I built walls between us

  Rubble made sound

  sand scattered plastic bags all around

  rifles and checkpoints

  bright lights into your eyes

No, you are not my enemy

my partner my friend

We were betrayed

  You are not my enemy

my child myself

  Our blood is the same

You are not my enemy

  my memories and rage

  Re-making sense now, together

  You are not my enemy

  you never were

  You are part of me

and I am with you

  You are not my enemy

  we shall stay true

  You are not my enemy

  we will change this 

with you

-----Drew Cameron

POSTED BY:

 Bobby Hanafin, SP/5, U.S. ARMY (69-76), Major, U.S. Air Force-Retired (77-94) Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW)