Ron, this a powerful poem full of contrasts and juxtapositions that add to the emotional tenor - which really flies (into cathartic grief) near the end. Given the structure I also feel that a talented melody maker could make a powerful song out of the poem - 'Baghdad, oh Baghdad. Why do I mourn,' being full of chorus-like emotion/grace. I also like the historical allusions that merge with facts on the ground this past decad or so. More than anything thankyou for puncturing 'jingoistic patriotism' with this poem i.e. as supplied by mass media business interests - all those folk who don't have to actually go and kill, or be killed by, strangers.

Such a meaningful and expressive poem, Ron. Thank you for sharing it and awakening thought and compassion and sorrow and... ...I could go on. Love and peace to you,

Regis

Perhaps the most powerful poem I have read of yours. I would have missed it except for your re-post. Thanks for re-sharing. M.True

Excellent!

Peace on a world-wide level is something we very likely will never get in this life. Wars everywhere as a result of many aspects. I hate to say this a lot of wars are a result of false propaganda. Nice write Ron! As always I'm wowed!
Mary

(poem from 4th grade)
Arabian nights were his to own
Since he was a little lad
He danced away with Salome
Cause oh what a Baghdad had.

Wars never end and this one certainly won't. The more attention given, the more that happens. Nicely written.

I, like you and Obama, opposed invading Iraq, but as you say the majority were fooled by the trickery of Bush and his oil buddies, Cheney and Rumsfeld.

And now, after thousands of our brave soldiers have been killed and wounded, and billions of dollars have been spent, nothing has changed.

i agree with ms. JK. we tried to resolve differences through war. look at us now, we haven't made a step forward. differences remain unresolved. yes, we should keep writing. thank you for the repost , mr. ron.

Ron, a super, well put, well put together poem...I have to say I really like this one a whole lot...I have to wonder where in the Koran it says for people to blow themselves and others into a million pieces...I had a hard time reading that book but I did get through it many years back, way before all this terrorist crap came along...I was drifting and wanted to find a strong religion at the time to grasp a hold of...glad I didnt now...e

See almost a decade now. and it seems it was written these last few days. How a whole civilization can be lost in war and strife, so sad a state , and a great write, at least we should write and keep writing on this!Jk

Great job with the poem!

Sandie

I remember when I was back in elementary school and reading about the beauty and stories of this place which is a hell hole now. Very interesting write!

Love ya!

Jane

Nicely constructed Ron. It's a challenging world. So much beauty, so much violence, and the wanton malignity of war (at times) is just overwhelming. rlc

As always Ron ... a sheer delight to read.

Oh... to be the guy to find Aladdin's Lamp !!!
Three rubs n' a Poof... I'd Fix All Their Arses... Forsooth !!!

Baghdad was evil to its core.

Beautiful!