Some moments from war never leave the people who witnessed them. In this poem, an Army veteran reflects on protesters who set themselves on fire during the Vietnam War- acts of unbearable courage and anguish that challenged soldiers and civilians alike.
During a month of brutal immigration crackdowns by ICE mercenaries in Minneapolis, where even US citizens found themselves swept up, detained, and in two cases murdered, we have entered a time where this type of protest may once again cross people’s minds in a desperate attempt for their protest to be heard.
To Be Heard
Kindle in our Hearts, O God, the flame of that love which never ceases, that it may burn in us, giving light to others. St. Columba (521-597)
Richard Epstein Poem
To Be Heard
May 11, 1970, one month after
the invasion of Cambodia, one week
after Kent State, fourth-year UCSD student
George Winne Jr., tied gasoline-soaked rags
to his body, ignited them, then ran. He carried a sign
which read: “In God’s Name, End this War>”
In death may I be heard.
May 16, 1967, thirty-three-year-old,
college graduate, teacher, and Buddhist Nun,
Nhat Chi Mai, wrote to her parents to explain
her intentions and send a strong admonishment
and final plea for Peace to President Lyndon Johnson.
She kneeled and placed two small statues
Of the Virgin Mary and Kwan Yin* to gaze upon
From her robe she retrieved a poem “My Intention”
then slowly poured a can of accelerant over her body
and set herself on fire. Among the eleven letters she wrote,
she left this:
“Offering my body as a torch,
May it bring light to the ignorant,
May it awaken men’s feelings,
May it bring Peace to Vietnam.
I pray that I will be brave and calm,
sitting amidst the flames.
The one who burns for Peace”
In my death, may I be heard.
March 16,1965, eighty-two-year-old
Quaker and activist Alice Jeanette Herz
set herself on fire on a quiet street in Detroit.
“To be heard,” she explained. She marched,
protested, and wrote countless articles and letters.
This would be her last act of protest.
In death, may I be heard.
November 10, 1965, twenty-two-year-old
anti-war activist and member of the
Catholic Worker Movement, Roger
LaPorte, sat in a meditative pose, doused
himself with gasoline, and set himself on
fire in front of the UN to protest U.S.
involvement in Viet Nam.
In death, may I be heard.
November 2, 1965, 31-year-old
Quaker, inti-war pacifist and father of
three, Norman Morrison, doused
himself with kerosene and set himself
on fire at the Pentagon in Washington,
DC. In death, may I be heard.
One life for each to give.
Who stands if Freedom fall?
(Rudyard Kipling)
*Kwan Yin: Translated: “The One Who Perceives the Sounds of the World.” Chinese Mahayana Bodhisattva.
Published with permission of author. Taken from Richard Epsteins book I Remember
This is Richard Epstein’s third book of poetry about war and Viet Nam. His time overseas had a major impact on his life as revealed by his poetry. Richard continues to encourage other veterans to tell their stories. To share their past with family, friends, neighbors, and strangers; to let others know of their sacrifice in service to their country.