For Hugh Thompson. Who Stood Alone.

For Hugh Thompson. Who Stood Alone. My Lai Massacre. Vietnam, 1968

the helicopter blades spun behind you
and all the eyes of the village
were fixed on you
as you stabbed your foot down
into the jungle grass
what authority you had

In the line of fire
you raised your hands
as the silence slowly dedescended
between infamy and fame
your name was on the lips
of both angels and demons

did justice plant herself as an anchor in you mind?
did the words speak themselves like they were spoken before time?
did the blood pound in your chest as you face the seargeant down?
did you feel the power of God surging all around you?