Michael H. Brownstein

What the Americans Call the Korean War

June 25, 1950, the communist armies from North Korea crossed the 38th Parallel, easily captured the South Korean capitol, Seoul, and marched onward to the ocean. Refugees from the south invaded the port city, Busan, and settled in until the United Nations came to the aid of the south.

charades of dignity
a river of white petals
caught in the mud

The armies of the west turned the tide around forcing the North Korean forces back to the 38th Parallel. The engagement continued. Later, the Chinese armies crossed into North Korea, then South Korea. There was never a treaty or a truce or an ending to the conflict. South Koreans call the conflict the 6-2-5 Upheaval.

as if a honey bee
has the strength of wind,
storm, and pesticide