Tactical Withdrawals;, a poem about politics.

Tactical Withdrawals

An original poem by Chrome Dome Mike Kimbro

Consider reading along to my Spoken Verse Performance.

VERSE 1

Leaving Saigon.

Just ahead of Ho Chi Minh.

Who was supported by Chairman Mao.

On the wall there was writing.

So we gave up on the fighting.

As we left,

In helicopters, we waved back: "Ciao."

VERSE 2

Leaving Syria.

We let old Erdogan,

Enjoy NATO membership benefits.

Instead of protecting the Kurds,

We threatened with insolent words.

Suggesting:

Righteousness, in politics, has little relevance.

CHORUS

To some allies,

We offered alibis.

After they were left behind,

To fend for themselves.

We stood and watched.

As gains got botched.

Those with whom we once were aligned,

Were forced to fend for themselves.

BRIDGE

We help our partners fight those who invade.

And provide plenty of military aid.

Controlling the sky with drones is critical.

And while we excel at making it rain,

Let's keep in mind, when it's time to board the train,

We might need help with a retreat that's tactical.

Of course, on our exit, the brakes we might pump,

If partners have bought stuff which bears the name Trump,

Or could provide him with dirt which is political.

Should new partners express skepticism,

Citing Trump's lies, lawyers and nepotism.

We could reply: "He was just being practical."

Such decisions are easy to rationalize,

If Erdogan threatened to nationalize,

Big buildings with Trump's brand in Istanbul.

So God has taken back "Heaven's Mandate".

But Trump is avoiding conflict. Yeah, wait!?!?!

Might Benghazi be an obvious parallel? [Exhibits: #1 & #2 & #3]