The Grande Arena

A brutal, misguided act!

The Grande Arena

Encore Ariana,

exit stage left

to explosive applause.

That's the nuts

and bolts of it

as children fall

in the name

of false faith.

 

A faceless disciple

mounted the dais

in the name of Allah

to steal the adulation

of teenage fans.

To smother the joy

of innocent hearts.

 

A broken star,

a shattered city,

a nation united

in grief and anger

left to lick wounds

that will never heal.

 

23/05/17

Reviews

[Maria]

Beautiful, and very touching indeed. And encouraging to see how all of you have come together in unity, even as the other attacks that have followed, as I stated in a poem, I wrote, You are not alone, that no matter what the London Bridge would never fall. Stay strong, and we the world are much aware of all that has happened since this awful day.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Maria.

[Maria]

You're welcome John

[pia]

What happened in Manchester was awful and disgusting
What those terrorists did was terrible and nothing can describe the horror those innocent young children went through. This poem was wonderfully written to show raw emotions and empathy for those affected.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

This and all atrocities are reprehensible be they US strikes or regime barrel bombs in Syria or terrorist attacks in Africa, Paris etc. Many thanks Pia.

[Leslie Philibert]

Indeed an awful act of cruelty, and I like the way to write poetry about real events. Poets live in the real world. Noticed too that at the memorial a poet read a fine poem poem about Manchester. Excellent.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so much Leslie. He was a real poet!

[Coyote Poetry]

A sad day for Manchester. You and I agree on many things. Terror must be stopped. Many broken hearts and people. I'm praying for Manchester.
Coyote

[John Alexander McFadyen]

We pray for Manchester and for mankind Coyote. Only ordinary people can stand up to our 'leaders' and say not in my name! Thanks Coyote.,

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome John.

[Kelly Scheppers]

The horror of it continues to play out all over the world. When will it ever cease?

As always, you cast an indelible impression upon my heart, John!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

It still feels unbelievable and as the days pass we push it out of our thoughts so we will still go about daily business. Many thanks Kelly.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Beautiful words for so sad an event. This is a worthy tribute to the murdered children-Tears...so much lost and desecrated. The last verse is powerful and profound. Thank you John.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

It is hard to find words Annette when such things happen, whether in the UK, Paris, the USA or Syria. Many thanks.

[duff]

They're cowards going after soft targets and it usually means our youth because of the impact it carries. Really pisses me off which is a massive understatement. Your words heavy and moving. Nice work.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Duff. Most people of all faiths are horrified and appalled.

[duff]

You're very welcome. If you're human I would hope so.

[wordman]

we live in a world of hate and mis guided fools,
will it ever end

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I guess the answer is no Ron. Barbaric actions have been with us since time immemorial. What has changed is technology and ability to move around faster. Thanks Ron.

[Tony Jordan]

You put it very well here mate - said all there is to say - shocking barbarity !

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Tony. So hard to know how to feel.

[Lydia Shutter]

Unspeakable tragedy! Young lives taken by a maniac. I can't even imagine the terror they felt...and the terror their loved one are now feeling till they know whether or not they are okay. Your words are powerfully emotional. It's only a shame we have to continue to write this sort of tribute to the fallen. Lydi**

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed Lydi. Many thanks. We all need to rise up and challenge the power of our leaders. We need to prevent such conflict as man has learned to cooperate when he feels like it.