Marshall was the one who told Truman about the bomb,
A secret. He felt that the day would certainly come
When we’d ‘have to use it’ – probably against Japan,
Or the (second) World War’s ragings would never be done . . .
Making him the messenger of mindless massacre
In too few minds. What the world would afterward find,
Like a death ray with shock wave annihilation effects, and no succor,
Was a blast wave that killed nearly 200,000 (persons) over time.
Marshall felt the decision should be political, not military
And target military areas to avoid civilian deaths.
It was Truman who signed the order giving clarity,
Targeting two cities whose living were to lose – not just their next breath.
Marshall fought against totalitarian regimes, his clear intention,
Believing democracies, not communism, brought peaceful intervention.
June Edvenson 