What about stability and can the center hold
Will the capital fall again
And horrific scenes unfold
Nation building seemed the goal
Sprinkle on some democracy
Surely they want to be like us
We can help with public policy
Some progress made on human rights
Especially for girls
Will these fragile flowers of light
Be crushed as vanquished pearls
It started out self defense
In the wake of 9/11 attacks
Al Qaeda sanctuary in Afghanistan
Could not be allowed to last
But Bin Laden died long ago
Al Qaeda in the wind
And nation building never stops
Though our hopes have dimmed
Conditions-based withdrawal
Said to lead us in this fight
But twenty years from lodgment
Still no off-ramp in sight
20 years
2,300 dead
20,000 wounded
One trillion bucks to date
Time to bring the troops home
We’re 19 years too late
So bravo Joe, you made the call
It’s what our country needs
I just hope those little Afghan girls
Can still learn how to read
Waipahu Bob 