The Sand

For Haider

I saw the footprints pressed into the sand

and stepped into where someone else had been;

then when I left, another came to stand.

 

I saw within those arches, broad and grand,

a side of Babylon that few have seen;

and stood a stranger in a stranger land.

 

I stood at Tigris’ edge, with SAW in hand,

while waters of Creation, cold and clean,

flowed past the ruined works of mortal Man.

 

I witnessed Suffering levied by our hand,

and prayed for something greater, something green,

but found that none at home could understand.

 

And having left that godforsaken land,

I fear that none will see as I have seen,

or why I stand exactly where I stand.

 

But some who feel the tags against their chests,

I hope, will understand just what I mean.

We all now carry memories of that land,

and when we dream, we're back there… in the sand.

Reviews

[A]

Great visual and thought. It makes me want to understand what it might be like in anothers land.
"I saw within those arches, broad and grand, a side of Babylon that few have seen; and stood a stranger in a strange land"
Imagination is one thing, but seeing it through anothers eyes is another. And, your right...can't fathom what its like to be in "Your" shoes as a man of wars!

[Cherrie Palmer]

very clever and many will relate, nice job

[BlueEyedBandit]

I really enjoyed this piece. It's very catching and alluring to the eye and keeps the mind content as well.

[jumbie's #1 fan]

war and man are terrible things...nicely worded.

[Tony]

I am not sure that men with a perspective such as yours and with the gift of wordability, won't help the unsoldier see the true obscenity of war.
Excellent work.