Get Your Premium Membership

Fluctuating Fortunes

Fluctuating Fortunes There was a brutal dictator, a strong man, who ruled a unruly country with a steel sword that dripped of menaces and blood. For a while he was our ally when he fought a war with a country we didn´t like; and we helped him with weapon and intelligence. Yet there was another side to him, women were not oppressed under his rule, they could dress as they liked and seek the highest education. The Christian community too was accepted, and people could walk out at night in peace; but he went too far, invaded a country that was our friend. Well, we invaded and he was duly hanged and few tears were shed. For the women the revolution was a disaster, no longer can they go out without risk being shot for not wearing a chador and the Christians were falling over themselves to flee or risk being killed. That is the way of the world when there is a upheaval the minorities and women have to pay the price.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2013




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 12/13/2013 11:36:00 AM
Women's and Catholics' rights may have been (maybe appeared) better pre-Hassein. But I don't think his butchering and disregard for life can be overlooked. The inordinate gawking at his corpse was appalling. Yes things are worse now; but to talk about liberation under Hussein seems weird. (I don't claim to know what you know about these issues, but you get me to researching, albeit not at great depth). love, Kathy
Login to Reply
Hansen Avatar
Jan Oskar Hansen
Date: 12/14/2013 8:04:00 AM
more people get blown up by car bombs in Iraq then ever before, another lost country
Collins Avatar
Kathryn Collins
Date: 12/13/2013 11:37:00 AM
I didn't mean pre-Hussein. I meant under his rule

Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry