There was this soldier in Afghanistan
Who was on American radio discussing
The packs of vicious, feral dogs in the streets of Kabul.
He said that there were so many of these dogs
That the packs fearlessly defended their territory
More fiercely than even the dreaded Taliban.

He went on to say that sometimes,
In order to pass safely, and maintain patrol protocols
The dogs had to be dealt with, with deadly force.
Dogs were killed in the action, but they were
Gunned down snarling and attacking, running
Towards the fusillade.

The soldier went on to discuss the Taliban
And how re-emergent and aggressive they were.
With the support of local people they too, were often
Chased, gunned down and killed. Some escaped into
The dust of the multitudes, scraping a life
Out of the mist of bloody combat, still pursuing.

He said that this was his second interview
On American radio about his odyssey in this war.
He said that after the first interview was broadcast, he heard
From animal protection societies and dog lovers
From all over the world, all in outrage and aghast.
But not one word, from anyone, about those others.

11/29/2006

Posted on 09/06/2015
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