Springtime in Iraq

One million marched to mourn ancient death in Karbala
rejoicing, chanting, dancing and slashing their bodies
frenzied blood ritual homage to Mohammed’s grandson
adding prayers that their “liberators” might disappear

The great Communicator in Chief of the “liberators”
was astounded–flabbergasted–and surprised
that Arab Democratic Republicanism is not on the rise
now that faith-based missals have cauterized the air

The great “liberator” has misplaced his copy of the Koran,
his astonished surprise casts an illiterate shadow
over the broken hearts and minds in Iraq and all of Islam
by consistently ignoring the teachings of Mohammed

It’s Spring time in Iraq–and flowers are hard to find

HAMMOND GUTHRIE is the author of AsEverWas: Memoirs of a Beat Survivor. He can be reached at: writenow@spiritone.com

(C) 2003 HAMMOND GUTHRIE