Thoughts of a soldier
by
Arthur Lane
(Fepow)
I joined the army as a soldier then a killer by command Became judge and executioner in my time Maimed and killed my country's enemies with total dis-regard Performed the duties of a soldier down the line
I've been spat at sworn and thrown at, Stoned and thrashed with bamboo canes. Sometimes belted with a rifle or a lash, Then left strung up rigid by the arms
Suffered the water treatment and decapitation threat, Gone without food or drink for days beneath the sun. Worked and treated like a coolie for fifteen hours a day With nothing left to show for what I had done
Yet! there's nothing more soul destroying Or anything which brings me pain Than being betrayed by one's own government For whom I had fought and served in vain.
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