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Preemptive Strike

By Fahim Firfiray

Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, August, 2003

Written at the time of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, which, at the time, was justified under the ill conceived Bush-Blair doctrine of the Preemptive Strike

From the moment,
he walked through the door
I knew that he was
there for more


For more than cornflakes
milk or bread
Bad intentions
in his head


He walked so calm
from row to row
But I knew that that
was all for show


He approached the counter
with a smile
My heart was racing
all the while


I had no time
for his fake charm
His next move caused me
great alarm


But I was faster
and in fact
I shot before
he could act


He fell down
I saw him land
with something falling
from his hand


It was a wallet
not a gun
It held a photo
of his son


It seems I killed
a peaceful man
No bad intent
no evil plan


But your honor
I should not be shamed
A patriot
cannot be blamed


You can say
what you like
It was a
Preemptive Strike


I acted in
the American way
My President said
that it's okay!