The Struggle for Marxism in the United States (V)

[p062] of this 40-year struggle for Marxism in the United States. The main lesson of this history is the need for American Marxists, no matter how few in number, to begin their qualitative theoretical development through an understanding of the Marxist method. Only such a qualitative develop- ment will prepare them to reach the new gene- ration of working-class militants now clearly coming on the scene in the United States. Any formation which continues to neglect this task will simply be by-passed by revolutionary developments in the United States, regardless of size or the amount of ‘busy work’ they do. Gratitude Some Americans are burning Vietcong humans with bombs of petrol jelly. I haven’t felt that. But the pictures show The burned flesh raised above the other flesh In shapes and weals That signify the flesh is sensitive. If the flesh was sensitive These people must have felt pain. How much pain, and what Does it fee] like to be burned? And is the pain made worse If the burned know that some Were intent to inflict pain? To suffer for To be compassionate On account of To have the burned flesh in One’s mind is not Having that flesh’s pain. The witness is pained The pain is different. Because it is different There isn’t the sharing, that particular Part of agony when the flesh Feels it would prefer to die. I am still eating Beans with a black oval eye On them, the centre of that eye Blind and dry. And bread And an onion. My tongue isn’t burned short, My hands are not My back isn’t. And I am glad my body Is not burned. To have one’s flesh Whole is a human privilege. Jon Silkin.