fleeing the bleeding
sectarian sands
the children of war
born from dreams
of the late Arab spring
struggle desperate trails
for the Bosporus isthmus
and Dardanelles straits
crowding fearfully into
mean ill-suited seacraft
of ancient Turk apathy
begging for passage across
the divide of the Hellespont
flesh and blood cargoes
the chattel of schism
internecine iron age
conflicts that shook
and then cracked
the five pillars of Islam
fleeing the bleeding
sectarian sands
the children of war
seek some respite
some tolerant haven
however reluctant
unfriendly and alien
wanting at least
and hoping no more
than a relative peace
a desired sense of safety
among more enlightened
of secular nations
with eyes that can see
past the difference
of cultures and continents
A poem that proves those from either side of political opinion; from believers to atheists are, if their respective hearts are in the right place as one when it comes to compassion…a bravo moment is due I believe.
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compassion is a human characteristic – not a political one
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Powerfully put. And harrowing, really.
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appreciate that
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As one who came to America with my parents as German refugees I appreciate the spirit and sympathy of your poem. One needn’t look very far down the family tree to realize we are all immigrants in this land . . .
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as a first generation American, I would only say “Amen”
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“Fleeing, struggle, crowding, seek, wanting, hoping,” desperation comes knocking at the door–again. When will we ever learn? So sad. . .
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appreciate your thoughtful comment, jeanne
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Beautiful poem, and your choice of artwork was inspiring. Thanks for sharing this.
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thank you for your kind words
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absolutely touching and moving. Great use of words that truly in-vision the essence of feeling
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I sincerely appreciate that
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Thank you for speaking elegant poetry for the refuges and speaking for us, too, who care.
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I appreciate your affirmation
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In the Islamic intolerant world
life goes on with the daily routine of the sun
Suicide bombing , maiming and killing of the innocent lives a game of the week .
Nothing is wrong .
All is done in the name of Alah .
But does Alah allow the brutal merciless killings in His name?
Surely man have got more answers than God the almighty here.
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questions the whole world still wants answered
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Hi Paul. Very bad situation. Let’s hope the evil can one day be destroyed in their homelands! So they can return. Thank you for liking my poem Hidden! Peace and Best Wishes. The Foureyed Poet.
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amen
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A very powerful piece. thank you.
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I sincerely appreciate that
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The verbiage is crafted with the skill of a surgeon, yet having the pathos of a moving dirge. A beautiful poem, very meaningful in a an insane world of that’s caught up in an unrestrained violence. May its sanity leave the scar of healing for wounded souls. Anand Bose From Kerala.
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your generous and thoughtful comments are deeply appreciated
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Thanks for replying. Would love to read more of your poetry.
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