As the conflict in Iraq diminishes so the Afghan war escalates. The Taliban are resurgent and control most of the country outside the main towns.
It was allso predictable of course, Britain has been here before,this is our fourth time in fact; current Afghans 3 Britain 0.
This time will be no different because as the allies pour money and resources into Afghanistan the Taliban fighters will simply melt away only to re-emerge elsewhere, possibly in a renewed Iraqi conflict.
Before dawn they took her,
dragged herscreaming from her bed.
Children cried, husband begged
but they stripped her, threw her
near naked into the bleak street,
beat her with batons,
lashed with thongs that cut skin
and tore her soul,
accused her of immodesty,
religious crimes.
She did not cry,
not then nor later when
these angry men with fierce beards
and kohl Softened eyes
accused her of many crimes.
“Confess!” they demanded.
“There is nothingto confess” she said,
turning her headas saliva
spattered on a smooth cheek.
She did not confess, not when
they tore away the cotton shift
and loaded her naked on an ox- cart.
She knew in her heart
such fervour knew no mercy.
With noble head held high
she ignored the savage crowd
showering her with dung
as she passed by.
Tethered in the dying place
she looked Accusers in the eye.
The the holy assassains recited
crimes for which she had to die
Pride;
being beautiful; daring to look
barefaced at the sky.
BEING A WOMAN.
She held her dignity as
the first stone struck .
That is shocking, Ian. It sounds similar to the witch trails in Britain and America. Not forgetting other medieval punishments.
Reviewed by Jennifer Butler (Reader)
Reviewed on April 18, 2004
Oh, that's just horrible, Ian. Not the writing, but the story. It makes you realize never to cast judgement on others, because when judgement hits you, it is always wrong and unfair.
Reviewed by Katy Walsvik (Reader)
Reviewed on June 8, 2003
Absolutely stunning! You write with such clarity and truth.. you may never move the cold hearts of these beasts, but know that you have moved mine.. Thank you for making us look... for daring us to. I weep for these women.. feel guilty for want of something to change it. Your sensitivites are a thing of real beauty. katy.
Reviewed by Richard Vallance (Reader)
Reviewed on June 7, 2003
Hi, there, Ian!
Richard Vallance here (from PL&T)
Well, this is SUPERB!
The truth hurts those who don't want to hear it. Tough sh*t!
Good for you!
It is just mind-boggling the things people will do in the name of THEIR own "beliefs", when in actuality all they are doing is killing others (sometimes physically, sometimes mentally, sometimes emotionally, sometimes altogether) just because they are so full of useless and stupid HATRED.
Bah!
Again, good for you!
BUT I must, on the other hand, reiterate that there is more to the world than just hatred, and we both know that.
Ian, thank you for giving life and a voice to these lovely proud women. I know Afghani women personally, and have sen the horrendous scars.... This is a very eloquent read.
Very well written, it tore me apart, as any violent act of abuse and terror does. Will mankind ever conquer/subdue its brutality?
Reviewed by Sharon Williamson (Reader)
Reviewed on April 21, 2003
This just broke my heart....that is why freedom is so important. You have done an excellent job here on such an ugly situation. this (as Eleven Days) has really touched me.
Thank you,
Sharon;)
Oh, Ian, this is beautiful the way you wrote of its horrible stupidity... Pro-people, yes, our race, our tiny planet, our world.
Reviewed by T. Emilie Dybevik (Reader)
Reviewed on April 3, 2003
I missed you Ian! This was excellent. I am for women and LITTLE people (innocent kids)... actually, for everyone to have their rights. This world is so crazy you know, all I can come back to is that good old fashioned saying "What goes around....comes around" One day, they will get their turn too. We just have to do as our mothers say and treat others as we would want to be treated. Well, you've won my vote my good fellow man. Thanks! Teresa
Reviewed by Elizabeth Taylor (Reader)
Reviewed on April 3, 2003
If you visit a women's shelter in any city in this country, you will see American women treated just as viciously by husbands and boyfriends; you will see young girls raped by their fathers, or their mother's boyfriends or other male members of the family; and you will see young boys sodimized by men family members or their priests or other people in an adult role. It's a sick world all around. The abuses publicized in Afganastan are just one area of many, although there the abuse is directed to women and female children.
A well written poem.
Reviewed by Floria Kelderhouse (Reader)
Reviewed on April 3, 2003
Intense poem....very sad....we do live in a sad world when Rulers do not treat their people with dignity and respect..Floria
This is an excellent poem Ian. So vividly portrayed. What a sad state of affairs this world of ours is.
The message you convey here is very important. Reminding us of what atrocities men, especially in that part of the world commit on women. Treating them as if they are disposable. Thanks for writing this one.
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Richard Vallance here (from PL&T)
Well, this is SUPERB!
The truth hurts those who don't want to hear it. Tough sh*t!
Good for you!
It is just mind-boggling the things people will do in the name of THEIR own "beliefs", when in actuality all they are doing is killing others (sometimes physically, sometimes mentally, sometimes emotionally, sometimes altogether) just because they are so full of useless and stupid HATRED.
Bah!
Again, good for you!
BUT I must, on the other hand, reiterate that there is more to the world than just hatred, and we both know that.
Cheers,
Richard Vallance,
Ottawa, Ontario,
CANADA
Candy
Thank you,
Sharon;)
A well written poem.
The message you convey here is very important. Reminding us of what atrocities men, especially in that part of the world commit on women. Treating them as if they are disposable. Thanks for writing this one.