Free Verse Poem on Torture

This has more to do with what we experienced on the ground than what the CIA was doing with detainees.

I don't condone torture 

But I know why it happens 

When no one knows anything 

and no one saw anything 

and you're being deceived

time and time again 

by people you've learned to despise 

for being busy little b******s 

killing and maiming your friends 

You seriously run out of patience 

and make damn sure they pay for it 

Our people don't have the stomach for war 

It don't go down with Cafe Lattes 

the way fantasy football does 

It's to much reality for consumers

Kill teenagers with rounds through the head 

or beat the f**k out of them 

when you catch them with a chest 

full of batteries and cord for IED's

What difference does it make

War is an ugly f*****g business 

where you do ugly f*****g things 

that follow you home like twisted spirits

where the people cheer your homecoming 

and can't see what's inside you 

If they could see it

They'd be horrified 

But they don't understand 

what they sent you to do 

So you smile and move on 

and learn to cope with the

monotony of peace

knowing your life's purpose

 will never be

that incredible again  

I don't condone torture 

But I know why it happens 

Reviews

[olla]

"If they could see it
They'd be horrified
But they don't understand
what they sent you to do"

I have no words to adequately express my feelings here.. we are so quick to judge.. sitting here in our warm houses with our full cupboards and our fancy toys.. I wish I could give you a hug..

[Baby Ricochet]

thank you olla. I appreciate it

[bob, small b. aka invs]

war is never what it seems. it's sold to us under false pretenses as something noble. noble causes. things worth dying for and killing for. so we pay for it with our sons and daughters and we pay for it with our souls. war isn't noble. it's dirty and the dirtier, the more effective it is. this is eloquently shown in Apocalypse Now/Heart of Darkness. i don't condone torture and i have the luxury of not understanding why it happens. i haven't been there. i feel bad for those of you who have been there and do understand. i have a question for you. if you had known then what you do now would you have ever enlisted?

[Baby Ricochet]

Joining the Corps was the single greatest thing I ever did in my life. Though there's no doubt things happened on my three deployments I deeply regret and will probably never come to peace with my time in the Corps was without doubt the greatest adventure of my life and nothing I do for the rest of my days is going to hold a candle to it. I guess that's why so many old soldiers never let go of those days. Thanks for stopping by Bob. It's great to hear from you.

[Chris]

I stopped by again and looked down through the comments and found yours Bob... I don't regret joining or being in the Corps either... I do miss my friends BUT I'd never have had them or all the others I've known since. We always fight for the man next to us... and risk our last breath because it's who we are and what we do. Take care and Semper Fi.

[bob, small b. aka invs]

i find it odd that vets can separate the acts they are compelled to do from the experience of brotherhood in which they do it. how can you elevate the experience of war while coming back irreparably damaged by it? how can fighting in questionable or blatantly immoral wars be a matter of pride? i hope you take these questions in the spirit in which i'm asking them. i truly don't understand.

[TheLostMind]

You have hit home with this one.. There have been several debates on whether torture of certain people should be allowed. The media is almost always against it. The government agencies condoning torture say that it is necessary for the safety of the citizens.We cannot have an amicable solution here. Everybody is right in his/her own way.

A really good write. Enjoyed reading it. :)

[Baby Ricochet]

In the big picture the United States ought to uphold international law ans represent a society that doesn't condone or participate in acts of torture. Unfortunately on the ground international law doesn't mean a goddamn thing and I seriously don't think the two are in any way reconcilable. It's true the Obama administration put an end to the CIA's enhanced interrogation techniques but you can bet troops on the ground are still abusing detainees. How right or wrong that is, I don't know. I do know in those kinds of moments most of the time they seem to be really asking for it. I mean they were trying to kill you. That can be hard to put into perspective.

[Laura Lynn]

perfect unexpectedness of ending with the "Son you smile and move on....knowing your life's purpose will never be that incredible again" That hit me hard...bring the torture to me then, surely there is no peace g-d. damn. it., even for the peaceable

[Baby Ricochet]

The life's purpose line had to do with my time in the Marine corps. Nothing I do for the rest of my life is going to hold a candle to it. Thanks for reading Laura

[AprilRN1210]

Is ignorance really bliss?.. War is an ugly business and cannot fathom some of the things that are done in the name of "security" or survival.. Like most, I only know what is shared in the media and through the stories of veterans that I have treated. I have had several debates with a friend of mine from the UK on the things that we as humans would do for the survival of self and country. He thinks that my religion and morals would be tested and eventually thrown out the window when faced with certain odds and obstacles, I still try to remain optimistic, but am not sure. Like most, the idea of certain things turns my stomach and as you say doesn't "go down well" with me. But, having never been put in that situation, I cannot say for sure. I do know firsthand the mental and emotional scarring that it has on individuals and it hurts my heart. It is also why I have nothing but respect for those who have served and continue to do so for my "freedom and safety"... As always, this is such a powerful, raw, thought-provoking piece. You are such a rare and talented writer and I love the way you just tell it like it is:)

[Baby Ricochet]

I know whatever faith I had I don't have anymore. For others the exact opposite holds true. Thanks for stopping by and reading April, I appreciate it

[Jimmy Yetts]

Devastatingly accurate.
Thank you for your service--or should I say, thank you for being tortured for your country.

[Baby Ricochet]

thank you frankie

[Tate Morgan]

A very true to life telling of the horror that is war.Will man ever learn his children are his future? Other peoples children mean just as much to their family as well. May we all pause at the thought of pain for any childs sake. To our servicemen I would like to say "Let your heart be your guide and though you might be scarred by your experiences. May your memories flow to the times when the noblest of your nature won out. Will we ever realize just how much we are asking of our children?

[Baby Ricochet]

Thanks Tate

[Tate Morgan]

Merry Christmas Mark

[hardeep sabharwal]

An honest attempt, I would say to paint a truth, nice read

[Baby Ricochet]

Thank you hardeep

[Rob Santana]

I can recall my father telling me his experiences during his tour in NAM. How his unit had to kill and yes, torture as well. After a while he said they became numb to torturing where it became somewhat of a sport. He said it had to be done in the beginning, but afterwards they had just lost they're way of thinking. My heart goes out you bro, I really mean that. What my father did was to much for him to live with. He committed suicide in 2005. VA turned a blind eye to him ignoring his pleas for help.

[Baby Ricochet]

I'm sorry for your loss Rob. Thanks for reading

[Lyn Anderson]

It is a twisted logic, isn't it? You have summed it up brutally, honestly, and to great effect here. Whatever way we kill them, they are still dead, but we have learned to compartmentalize and categorize certain actions to suit us.

[Baby Ricochet]

Yes we have. Thanks KL