Poor Afghanistan

For nearly twenty years we've fought

A war against the Taliban,

As U.S. and allied forces have

Chased a mirage in Afghanistan.

 

A war that spanned four presidents

And bad policy decisions

Will soon be coming to a close,

Despite the Afghans' ongoing divisions.

 

To many Afghan girls and women,

Our presence there has been a relief.

Having endured years of oppression,

They had had their share of grief.

 

Once we leave, Taliban forces

Most likely will achieve their goal

As city after city falls

And they are able to regain control.

 

If only we could have said to the people,

"If you want to get out, leave now.

We will find a safe place for you

Elsewhere in the world somehow."

 

But, alas, that didn't happen.

The idea didn't resonate

With other countries in the world.

And so the Afghans are left to their fate.

 

I'm afraid to imagine what

Will happen to the women then,

As the extremist leaders cut off

Their path to education again.

 

And woe to all the translators

Who helped the Western forces there.

If we can't help them flee the country,

Their safety will be up in the air.

 

Western leaders who tried to contain

The region's volatility,

Have--with our four presidents--

A shared responsibility.

 

I pity the poor people who must

Be ruled by the Taliban,

But we cannot continue to fight

An endless war in Afghanistan.

 

-by Bob B (8-6-21)