Guerrillas
(images on TV)
What do I know,
If you are one of these
If you are one of these,
I guess
You’ll have a uniform
You won’t worry over clothing
You’ll have a gun, no
Doubt
No doubt, it’s heavy
You’ll have ammunition
In bags with clips
Hanging from your belt
You’ll sink into the Earth, some
You’ll walk a great deal
Then stand still
There will be drink, eventually
And food
Technically, you won’t have
Worries over these as well
Pay, maybe
That could go to your family, maybe
You won’t have worries
You’ll have purpose
You can reclaim your ego
You can keep it in your pocket
Keep it in your pocket
No one will care
It is a matter of indifference
Should you make it through the day
Unless your leaders are unusual
Maybe
Strategically (either way),
It might be helpful if
(fewer supplies to use)
Some of you should die
More people seeking meaning
On the way
They might bring their own
(they won’t
they don’t have it)
Not much for recruitment (then)
Clothing, food, and drink
A purpose without will
No worry
No one should wonder why
No one should wonder why
The unformed ranks might
Grow, inflating individuals to
Little more than
Breathing
Waging, becoming small wars
How quickly it must feel
The first part so far
A way of life, so far
C L Couch
Photo by Bash Fish on Unsplash
clcouch123 
October 3, 2019 at 11:04 pm
This is powerful Christopher and a bit sarcastic at the same time. It’s filled with much emotion. Like at one time you’re saying woe to these insurgents engaging in warfare without thought for who they kill, having chosen to disregard their humanity. At the same time, you hint that their dehumanization is not entirely their fault. That the powers that be, who cause/lead this impromptu war, have made these guerilla soldiers this way too. That they’re a means to an end and it’s good that they die to their leaders. Many (most) of them have only that purpose, to fight for this meaningless cause until they’re dead. How sad that the world works this way in some places. Not to mention the poor civilians who are dehumanized too. Great writing ✍️!!
October 5, 2019 at 8:20 pm
Amanda, thank you! I was looking at an image the kind of which I’ve seen time and time again. This time I thought, you know, these informal soldiers are fed, clothed, housed, and given purpose. Most folk in the world deserve this (these) and need them, anyway. What if it became (for real) the global strategy? How much desperation and anger would be forestalled if everyone were fed and clothed and given shelter and activity to believe in? I hadn’t thought of the sarcasm so much, but you’re right. It’s here.
October 8, 2019 at 3:45 am
I’m glad to know your take and how you meant the poem to come across. I like your perspective much better, much more hope and a good plan to take care of everyone equally — soldier or civilian. 🙂