The Ten Week Turn-Around



Seventeen years ago on this very date

Came the turn-around of a siege-state

After an Argentine military force invaded

Islands held by Great Britain, and aided



By the Commonwealth - for many years

And never disputed ... until these gears

Had been put into effect by the invasion

A crisis brought to a head by two nations



Without intervention by any other, at all

In spite of Margaret Thatcher's help-call

Both the United States and United Nations

Chose to stand back and avoid engagement



Prompting the Prime Minister to consider

Self-determination for the Falklanders

But the sheer act of agression and war

Has propelled the people to ask for more



... Protection from the British Commonwealth

A state of being so much better for their health

For the Argentine seizure begun on April Second

Created a drought never known or even reckoned



- Tristram



© Christopher W. Thomas

written 4pm Tues. 6/15/99

for the date - June 14th, 1999