They buried Karim in a shallow grave
the mourners could not linger
death was all around,
four years old is not old enough to die
innocence destroyed in the name of freedom
a future burnt and blistered
under the flare of phosphorous.

Waiting was the worst for Mona
each scream and sob
turned her soul
watching the fruit of her womb
extinguished
in such perfect agony.

Then the Soldiers left
there was a understanding.