War Poem by Humayun Nasir

It should have been easy
very easy, like a piece of cake
A mashed melon
Nobody cares.

But I stand as they descend
with dust and flying debris
four dead bodies
charcoaled and stiff, some said those were trees - rigor mortis -
Black limbs portruding, smelting sculpture.

They must have been like us - befor we killed them - they killed us -
A father, lover, beloved or hated
friend or enemy what ever but
They must have been like us
But nobody cares as they die, it is war
And I stand to receive them for funeral

It was not easy at all.


Note; the poem was written after a unsuccessful operation by us in DR Congo where many died from both sides. I was took active part in the operation as helicopter pilot... some of my friend died. I wrote the poem after receiving the dead bodies of enemy militia. All were burnt in bush fire due rocket fire from helicopters.

Date: 27.01.06