Stanza 121


121

They all observed the shining fixtures there
That would allow the villagers to share
The water from the military base
And use it to eliminate all trace
Of cholera that had resulted in
So many deaths. "This ought to help us win
The peoples' hearts and minds," The CO said.
"The epidemic caused such awful dread
As villagers succumbed to the disease,
That they will welcome these facilities
Which liberate them from such suffering.
Now, captain, you completed everything
In time to celebrate the holiday.
I must commend you and you should convey
Congratulations to your engineers."
The S4 answered, "Thank you sir. The fears
Of every man combined to lend them speed.
But even so, their haste did not impede
The quality of work. Sir, do you see
The mayor in the mullah's company?"