Newspoem 22 March 1998

An Irrational and Vindictive Demeanor

“An irrational and vindictive demeanor”
Quoth U.S. military’s strategic command
“May help deter conflict against adversaries”
After the era of the Soviet Cold War
There is no legitimate military stand
“An irrational and vindictive demeanor”
Prescribes Essentials of Post-Cold-War Deterrence
By the U.S. nuclear strategic Command
“May help deter conflict against adversaries”
Ambiguity of what the U.S. might do
To a so-called “rogue” nation in a distant land:
“An irrational and vindictive demeanor”
“It hurts” to be too “rational and clear-headed”
To those stockpiling weapons beneath burning sand
“May help deter conflict against adversaries”
The Pentagon seeks to maintain its arsenal
With the Soviet threat no longer at hand
“An irrational and vindictive demeanor”
“May help deter conflict against adversaries”

villanelle