From Vietnam Veterans Against the War, http://www.vvaw.org/veteran/article/?id=3631

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Answering a Question (poem)

By Larry Kerschner

The first man I killed was small and

hidden in the tall grass.


Being a killer forever changes you.

Even if you learn to be kind

and considerate and civilized

that part of you is always there

hiding down inside

awaiting a chance.


A normal person does not want to kill and

will avoid it at all costs.

The military won't allow you

to remain normal.

It doesn't matter if you think

you are smart enough

not to get caught up in their lies.

They will change you.


Don't be sucked into

the biggest myth and lie

that killing and dying

for your country is somehow heroic.


Really be all that you can be.


—Larry Kerschner

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