Officers Poem by Nassy Fesharaki

Officers

Was in my later teens
When got in uniform
To become officer;
And it was a big mistake!

Poverty had forced me.

At ending of school
Had to make me busy.

Academic was costly
I could not afford it
Military was free.

Degree with salary! ?

Now, looking back I see
It taught me lot of things
The bullets and the guns
Have been my best profs
To teach and open eyes.

Disagree but see needs
Of soldiers who go kill.

These preys are shackled
Since the need poisons
And washes the brains.

They go, kill, sacrifice
What is their capital,
To feed the kids and wife.

Their blood makes bricks
For building palaces
For crowns that harvest
And play Golf then ride
The best of vehicles
On the land, wave or air.

Such winners are devils
In huge offices.

I resigned many times
And tried to get out
But threat kept me in
"You must pay penalty, "
Also serve as soldier;
Private for two years!

I remained, broken
To become officer
At end of three years.

But desert, sea and cave
Also are dark, lighter
Even if at first sight
Are nothing except pain.

"Consider it is jail;
From it you make best, "
I murmured to myself
And tried too often…

So, used it as school
As college or higher…

And it was fruitful!

Each teacher was lovely;
Officers and civil,
Classmates, too, surely.

Training was simple
At start they shattered
Making us to forget
Everything of parents.

"Now copy what we say
And absorb like water
Since we are the correct
And the best commanders."

We were taught to obey
Not person, but the rank
"Even if on branch or clay! "

Forcefully we cleaned the floor
Washed and waxed with cloth.

No talk of shining boots,
To reflect Sun at night!

My main aim, to compete
Be better and take lead;
To reach the West-Point
Be above the Saint-Cyr.

Being some brainless
With the heart of lion
I walked on the cables
And climbed to rappel
Carrying an injured…

I chose to self-train
And was eye opener:
"Everything is demon's
Wrong sits in Right's place! "

Came the time to be ranked;
Generals would show off,
With cadets holding guns
Of no use, but well-shined.

An oath and a bow to
The flag of Iran: "Am loyal."

We knew nothing of
What truly went on,
What happened to nation
And many poor people
In cities, villages!

With knowledge on surface,
Nobody saw the depths,
All of it was for job!
Just few could have loved
To defend land, borders
Or monarchs as rulers…

Aloof of the marchers,
I would climb down a rappel,
Carrying an injured, on shoulder.

When landed near Shah
Heard him asking question:
"What about their parents?
Do they know? Are aware? "
And lied our commander!
(Named: Hojjat Kashani)

This opened heaven's gate;
Mean the words of the shah
And reply, General's:
"Of course, Your Majesty,
They are by the TV,
Happily observing! ! ! "

"Hey, our king, he tells lie; "
I wanted to say, shout.

My parents never watched
The TV, just because
They called: "Devil's job, "
(And couldn't afford it.)

I learned as went forward
With every motion, talk
That world is made of lies.

I stayed and suffered
Changed army to the air
Till work in Hercules
Travelled, travelled, travelled.

Visited continents, governments
Of Sudan, Lesotho and others
With each and everyone
I learned, learned…

All of them are the same
Mounts of lies, are devils;
(These corrupt personnel!)

Many thieves and cheaters
Steal, lie, embezzle…