I was in two minds about posting this having seen some of the strong reactions elicited recently by some poems on related subjects. However, I do not believe this poem is offensive, it is certainly not intended to be in any way.
Elli
Jihad.
A word.
Full of
Peril.
Fraught with
Danger.
It means
Nothing
To me.
I do not
Feel
Its call.
I do not
Hear it
Whispering
Shrill
Urgent
In my ear.
Yet
I wonder.
If I was
Born
In another
Place,
Far from here,
Under minarets.
Listening
To the muezzins'
Call.
Might
I
Feel it?
Thrumming
Through
My
Veins.
Harsh,
Strident,
Unforgiving,
Compelling.
Might I?
Would I?
Could I
Do the same?
One Truth.
I do not wish
To walk
In their shoes.
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What if?
Written by woody44 (777 comments posted) 12th September 2006 |
Another measured, thought-provoking piece Elli. The very subject matter is difficult to write about without treading on SOMEONES toes, but I think you have trodden a well-reasoned path. Well done.
happy writing
woody |
Excellent
Written by Talisker (1328 comments posted) 12th September 2006 |
Hurrah! A great little poem for my money, Elli.
The tragedy is that you feel the need to add the prologue. Why shouldn't you try to see things from another's perspective - I call it "being human". Empathy is so much harder than sympathy, it involves putting oneself in another's shoes. Yet no conflict can ever be resolved without it.
You should be proud of this little poem. I would gladly take credit for it myself.
oli |
Written by ellipinnock (1753 comments posted) 12th September 2006 |
Thanks to both for your comments. I guess I just put the prologue in because I'm a bit aware that this is a very emotive, personal issue for many people and I don't wish to upset. But you're right, Oli, empathy is harder than sympathy and often much more valuable.
Thanks again for your time 
Elli |
Good response.
Written by gerardconnolly (1186 comments posted) 12th September 2006 |
A worthwhile contribution to a heated debate, Elli.
I thought it a piece instinctively conceived and well delivered, whatever the consensus on its content. Well done!
Slan! |
Cheers
Written by ellipinnock (1753 comments posted) 12th September 2006 |
And heated the debate has certainly been!
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment
All the best
Elli |
Written by JourneyAtNight (314 comments posted) 12th September 2006 |
I like this piece...i don't think its offensive at all, and agree with all the above.
a great write...got me thinking!
E xxx |
Written by Phil (6846 comments posted) 12th September 2006 |
An accident of birth?
Very thought provoking, you don't wish to, but would you?
You've got me thinkng all sorts of things. Clearly a very effective poem. What more to say?
Great.
Phil.
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Written by ellipinnock (1753 comments posted) 13th September 2006 |
What more indeed. Ta guys
Elli |
HI EP
Written by BrianRobertNeal (1195 comments posted) 15th September 2006 |
I've kept of this one for obvious reasons. But I was desperate to write a thank you review.
So thank you for your time and comments.
But how would you feel if you were talking about a NAZI who had been schooled in the Hitler Youth, or a young gangster who to get through his initiation, must kill a completely innocent victim. All would be victims of their culture's socialisation.
So in answer to your question, yes you might. But had you been brought up in such a manner you would certainly not have a mind set that allowed you to question your society's orthodoxy.
Brian
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Very strong
Written by mishmish (389 comments posted) 17th September 2006 |
Hi Elli
The minimalism of this piece makes it all the more poignant. All the more brilliant.
I've come to this a bit later than everyone else, but the effect is no less diminished.
A powerful poem...extremely well done. Fantastic writing.
With best wishes
mish x
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BRN and mishmish
Written by ellipinnock (1753 comments posted) 18th September 2006 |
Thanks to both for your comments, they are much appreciated.
Elli |
Wow
Written by johniebg (553 comments posted) 7th November 2006 |
Just a quick note to let you know that I not only thought this wonderful but it really got me to thinking and resulted in a short story titled 'the long walk' posted in short stories here just this week.
The bit that really got me was;
'Yet
I wonder.
If I was
Born
In another
Place,
Far from here,
Under minarets.
Listening
To the muezzins'
Call.
Might
I
Feel it?'
Fantastic open minded thinking, to not have posted this would have been a real shame.
Great stuff.
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