Ann Peck Poet Blank verse

In Afghanistan

They were able to see the sun at last, to look
all around, finally breathe without burqas
     begin a new chapter.
Their words held more confidence.
Is respect too large a word, perhaps not when
     whispered with laughter.

Wearing smiles and proud faces, their
daughters went to school like the boys,
     was their future assured?
Was learning numbers and their alphabet
fulfilling their dreams, or just making
     them more obscured?

Women could greet each other on the street
not be beaten with a pole, but never look in the
     eyes of a man.
They could have paying jobs, wear sharp clothes, let
lovely faces be exposed, never once looking back
     before freedom began.

That all went away on a terrible day
when planes left and men bled out of hills
     with rage
to rule again with knife-sharpened hands
and women once again destined to hide inside
     their dark cage.

So, what was accomplished: a taste of
     freedom
that rested on whims of people living
     far away?
Is it perhaps worse to have known and
     then lose
or never to have known--
     who can say?

As life uncertainly shifts backward again
     to religious rule and sin 
will minds and lives be what's left
     blowing in the wind
   
     in Afghanistan...

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Paul Callus August 22, 2021 at 2:30 AM Your expressive words bring much sadness to those of us who hanker for love and freedom, Ann! I see only pain, fear and tragedy for the Afghan people, especially children and women. World leaders need to rethink their policies, but not turn them into a game! ~ Regards // paul Ann Peck August 22, 2021 at 2:11 PM Thank you, Paul, for your most thoughtful words. My heart breaks for the women and children, the elderly. Many friendships were formed between soldiers and citizens, many hearts hurting.

Victor Buhagiar August 19, 2021 at 1:10 AM Free countries ought to be ashamed of themselves. To taste some modicum of liberty and then all changed as the Taliban took over is the biggest disgrace. But the free countries for the sake of wealth should paint their faces with shame. Hugs Ann Peck August 19, 2021 at 12:44 PM I agree we should have shame for pulling out so swiftly and leaving no troops to keep Taliban in line. If we don't get every person who helped us out of there, it will be history's catastrophe and America's disgrace. Hugs to you!

Harry Horsman August 18, 2021 at 10:10 PM They have had a taste of self assurance, one that will never leave them. Your poetry describes exactly the situation. Ann. Nostradamus predicted 600 years ago, of a great upevil early in the 21st century, i feel this possibly is the start, of uncertainty. I'm going to fav your poem, it is good and every well constructed. Ann Peck August 19, 2021 at 12:52 PM Thank so much, Harry, for faving my poem. Well, I think Nostradamus was never wrong. If we're not now living thru the upheaval he predicted, I shudder to think what it might be. Take good care.

Suzanne Clear August 18, 2021 at 10:09 AM crying for them and for our soldiers! Count our blessings. suzanne Ann Peck August 18, 2021 at 5:20 PM I don't know if I'm more angry or more sorrowful. The feelings are overwhelming.

Chris Green August 17, 2021 at 1:53 PM It is very sad and horrific what we are witnessing happening over there. My heart breaks for these people who put their trust in those who betrayed them in the end. Ann Peck August 17, 2021 at 2:41 PM Exactly. Who would believe us now. It's just sad beyond words. CNN had an Afghan female judge on who is dressed like an American. She is quite sure she will be killed by the Taliban, so everything about the situation is awful. Thanks for commenting.

Kim Rodrigues August 17, 2021 at 12:00 PM It is awful! The outrage should be strong! Ann Peck August 17, 2021 at 2:33 PM I absolutely agree, and I voted for Biden. This will define his presidency. I'm just sick for those people--clinging to planes. Awful. And now the females, young and old, will suffer again at the hands of the Taliban. It's too sad.