About Them

This is a poem about my time in the war.

Nobody told me we were starting the war.
I was told I was there to help.
Nobody told me I was the enemy.
I was told I was military police.

Nobody told me I'd be killing children.
I was told I'd be guarding the perimeter.
Nobody told me that we'd kill each other.
I was told that we're all Americans.

Nobody told me I'd be clearing minefields.
I was told I'd be building sand bunkers.
Nobody told me I'd be sexually harassed.
I was told that females are equal.

Nobody told me that my troops would commit suicide.
I was told that everybody wanted to get home safe.
Nobody told me that I'd end up like this.
I was told that everybody was a human being.