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Aleppo: Toxic State

When finally he falls asleep He skims along from dream to dream Across his face a smile then creeps He finds himself beside a stream Where flowers bloom and sparrows cheep Caressed by warm comforting beams He feels serene in slumber deep Then all at once wakes with a scream As bombs explode and children weep Aborted peace ... a shattered dream.

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Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 12/26/2016 1:13:00 AM

Wow! That last line packed a powerful punch ... aborted peace ... a shattered dream. This is a living nightmare in the mind of an adult, how much more so in the mind of a child. Their sleep always interrupted by the sounds of death is so horrible. You penned in vivid detail the sheer depravity of this inhumane and insane situation over in Aleppo. Excellent poem, Paul. You are a true humanitarian for decrying such deplorable crimes against humanity. Much love to you always.

Paul Callus
Date: 12/26/2016 8:34:00 AM

Hi Freddie...Aleppo is one of the recent cases where war has brought much pain and devastation. It makes no sense that innocent people have to suffer because of the stubbornness of politically motivated leaders. Best regards...paul

Arthur Vaso

Date: 12/20/2016 1:39:00 PM

Ops forgot the 7!

Paul Callus
Date: 12/20/2016 3:08:00 PM

:) thank you :)

Arthur Vaso

Date: 12/20/2016 1:38:00 PM

If could bring home every single child from Aleppo, I would do it, makes me so sad to see whats going on, even a tough topic you have brought it to the light, a7!

Paul Callus
Date: 12/20/2016 3:11:00 PM

Because of egoism, etc, grownups might bring their own downfall, Arthur, but children have no sins to pay for, that's why their plight is even more significant. // paul

Janis Medders Tobechi

Date: 12/18/2016 10:26:00 PM

Paul this is a very graphic, true to life poem. You have done well in capturing the dreams and the shock of the child. Looks like a winner to me.

Paul Callus
Date: 12/19/2016 4:29:00 AM

Thank you for reading and for the complimentary comments, Janis. Warm regards // paul

John Hamilton

Date: 12/18/2016 9:17:00 AM

Great Mono rhyme Paul! so so sad, breaks my heart. Shows that all people dream of peace and serenity, but for those in Aleppo, reality hits hard. I wrote a piece similar about Aleppo called spirit broken again, maybe you would like it.

Paul Callus
Date: 12/18/2016 3:45:00 PM

The majority of people want to live in peace; unfortunately others make plans to the contrary! Thank you for your feedback, John. Regards // paul

CayCay Jennings

Date: 12/17/2016 8:47:00 PM

Wow, I was lulled by his visions, then I heard the bomb, too! You really got me, Paul - I felt this one, and isn't it dramatic? A great write, I think - way to go on this one! Poetry hugs ... CayCay

Paul Callus
Date: 12/18/2016 7:41:00 AM

Thank you CayCay for your pleasant and welcome visit! Always a pleasure to have you stopping by. Warm regards // paul

Sunlite Wanter

Date: 12/17/2016 6:39:00 PM

This is so real. Thank you for speaking out in this very good poem.

Paul Callus
Date: 12/18/2016 7:22:00 AM

Thank you, Sunlite. Have a nice day. Regards // paul

Ilene Bauer

Date: 12/17/2016 6:23:00 PM

very powerful, paul! the ending is perfect...

Paul Callus
Date: 12/18/2016 7:12:00 AM

Thank you, Ilene; your feedback is appreciated. Regards // paul

Roy Merritt

Date: 12/17/2016 3:53:00 PM

A brief respite of comfort and safety for a child in what the UN calls "A Meltdown Of Humanity". Very lovely and at the same time a disconcerting image for that misbegotten nation. Many people and nations should be shamed by their reaction to this tragedy.

Paul Callus
Date: 12/17/2016 4:57:00 PM

Thank you for stopping by with your insightful comments, Roy. Indeed, it is a tragedy! Best regards // paul