How Wise Men Learn From History

The experts knew how to behead a snake—
just build a beachhead with two thousand men
at the Bay of los Cochinos, then
the Cuban people would arise; retake
their Isla Bella—piece of cake!

The best and brightest formed a shining choir,
their language crisp, the charts and graphs enthralling—
to keep the Asian dominoes from falling
establish enclaves, inkblots, zones of fire,
until we've won—and then retire.

The generals were certain to a man
at meetings deep within the Kremlin walls—
their boys had aircraft, armor, and the balls
to carry out a bold but brilliant plan—
and overrun Afghanistan.

The CIA Director said, "We can
promote the cause of freedom through our bribes
to bureaucrats, to aid God-fearing tribes
by smuggling arms in via Pakistan.
(I think they're called the Taliban.)"

The Neo-Cons predicted that we'd stroll
through flowers to fulfil their favorite dream,
and overthrow this evil thug's regime.
"Don't fret about the cost or final goal:
just chant the battle cry—LET'S ROLL".

© Michael Cantor