Stop it now

 Biking tonight

            Passed through the University

                        One building caught my eye.

The biology building

            So tall and proud and sleek

                        A marvel of modern engineering

Many high-rise condos

            Along the peaceful canal

                        Where people pass their tranquil lives.

Then, a missile crashing into residences

            All is gone in a flash!

I am stunned

            Sick to my stomach,

                        Full of grief and sadness.

The shattering destruction of war

            Our fragile earth is being torn up by this madness

                        Dear God, deliver us from ourselves.

 

Poem: Africa, land of sunshine

In 1966 our family went as volunteers to Tanzania. I taught engineering in a technical college and my wife taught English studies. The following poem was written after we had been there two years.

The Crucifixion of Vietnam

Two recent events have started me thinking about Vietnam in terms of religious symbolism. First it was the speech of King Richard (Nixon) who in solemn and self righteous tones announced to us the fate that he had decreed for Vietnam (i.e. the bombing of Hanoi).