Death By Any Other Name

Your soul left your eyes
as you laid there and died
on that dirty Iranian street

They hovered o’er you –
to shield; cover you
but you took your last breath at their feet

The blood ran so dark
from beneath your headscarf
as your mother took hold of your hand

She rocked to and fro
and cried - even though
you were already dead in the sand

You’d made your voice strong
as you chanted your song
before bullets tore into the crowd

I couldn’t comprehend
what your cause was … and then
(they covered your face with a shroud)

Whether wrong or be right;
whatever the fight
no matter the country or name

This we ALL understand
that it favors no man
universally , DEATH is the same
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Ricci Avatar
April 8, 2017 at 11:58 AM
Hello Gayle. You have stated your message and issue with elegance and grace. The expression is gentle yet strong enough to be heard and should be heard. Be proud of your execution. Well done entirely.
Rodd Avatar
April 8, 2017 at 1:48 PM
Thanks Lisa. I really wanted to sum it up at the end but didn't have enough stanza space. I hope the message was expressed despite the containment I had.
Coreggia Avatar
April 7, 2017 at 11:12 PM
You brought a very sad dramatic scene from the real world into our field of vision thanks to your powerful words . . . and the images stay with us. Amitiés
Rodd Avatar
April 8, 2017 at 9:03 AM
Thank you so much
Green Avatar
April 7, 2017 at 12:41 PM
A poem straight out of the headlines and just as sad. You final line says it all Gayle. Nicely done, a deep and affecting piece of writing.
Rodd Avatar
April 7, 2017 at 8:42 PM
Based on a viral video, burned into my memory. Very sad indeed.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
April 7, 2017 at 11:08 AM
Potent perfect write Gayle. 7. xomo
Rodd Avatar
April 7, 2017 at 8:41 PM
Thank you Maureen! xoxox
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