M. A. D.
Sean Michael, October 2016
In 1949, we successfully tested nuclear weapons,
so the Soviets upped their arsenal.
They supplied North Korea with arms.
Destruction is mutually assured.
We raced to build bigger and badder weapons
during the 1950 Cold War.
American Navy Seals swam to enemy shores
with B54 mini-nukes in their backpacks.
Mini-nukes that are more powerful
than the bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
“You shoot yours,
I’ll shoot mine.”
Mutually assured destruction is the lesson that the arms race taught.
I think we’re lucky America and Russia never actually fought
as Truman hinted at the use of nuclear weapons to stop
the spread of communism.
World War Three?
In time, my friends, in due time.
For now, our nukes sit in silos being polished and maintained.
Not a symbol of power or strength,
Just destruction,
Mutually assured.
Posted for dVerse Poets, Open Link Night #185, December 1, 2016
Mad Poet Enchained 
Good points all, grandson Sean
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Terrifying, in how true it rings. I can picture the face of the ones doing the polishing, and they look inhuman… and always ready to show us just how much.
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No Shit!
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So chilling, Sean. I remember, as a grammar school student during the Korean War (I’m getting old) having to duck and take cover under our flimsy school desks. Like that would help.
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Even after seeing the disastrous, horrific results, it’s amazing how the world can’t take a decision to destroy every single one of them. M.A.D indeed.
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Bang on my friend… Indeed: no symbol of power or strength… With Best Wishes Scott
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It just takes a finger too shaky. Maybe the end will be swift at least.
As Sting once sang: “I hope the Russians love their children too”
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Funny how one thinks they will outdo the other…It will simply be the end for all. Power creates illusions….or maybe delusions.
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Those bombs are horrendous. Nuclear poisoning. Hopefully, the stalemate continues forever.
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I have family on both sides of the Pond. Growing up during the Cold War I was terrified of the US. It’s so sad to see that after a brief thaw, we’re back to the chill. I remain hopeful, though. Maybe my Russian-American kids will see Russia and America become friends.
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One of my pen pals is Russian and lived there the first 7 years of her life. I think there is too much bad blood.
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