Morale

For months
(Nineteen, to be exact)
We have been hearing
About low morale
Among career employees
In government agencies.
Discouraged over policies
(Or lack of them)
But staying on to try
To protect what remains
(Except of course for those
Who were doge’d)

Now we hear of 
Even more demoralization,
This time in the military.
Leaders and colleagues
Stripped of rank,
Labeled DEI hires,
Though they had worked
Beside those others.
Add to that a war of choice,
Slated to last “a few weeks,”
Now stretching into
Its sixth month
And still no clear reason
For what our country started.
We’re told that 
“We’re winning” 
Or that
“We’ve already won,”
But are worse off than
When this “excursion”
Began.

And the pawns we are using,
Those in uniform,
Away from home,
Deployments extended,
Irregular contact 
With loved ones,
Shortages of food
And water,
Living in conditions
Worse than some prisons
As they are expected
To fight his war
(That war that 
None of us wanted).
Suffering physically
And mentally
While those in charge
Deny these conditions.

Hey there,
Party of strong defense,
Is this what you wanted?
Is this your plan?
When are you going to
Stand up to him
And tell him
“No.
I don’t support this?”
When will you show
Some courage
And take care of those
Who are depending
On you?