Gary Bateman Poet Narrative

Notes About The Poem

Author's Notes: This is a personal narrative I wrote as a reflection of my thoughts concerning the recent cold-blooded murder and slaughter of innocent people by ISIS-associated terrorists in the city of Paris during the tragic evening of November 13, 2015. This narrative speaks for itself. Like several other of our Poetry Soup colleagues, I felt compelled to say something and to put my thoughts down immediately on paper as a way of protesting these horrible murders and the planned violence perpetrated at the behest of ISIS. As a fellow writer and poet, I wrote this "Afterthought" as both a tribute and a statement, on behalf of those brave souls who perished and those who were injured, and as an indictment against those "savages of religious tyranny" who dare to intimidate and to destroy everyone who crosses their path. (Gary Bateman - November 15, 2015) (Narrative)

Categories:  courage, death, dedication, devotion, freedom, inspiration, and tribute.

Paris November 13th Makes Me Weep - Afterthought

Paris November 13th Makes Me Weep — Afterthought

The shock and tragedy of this most horrendous event of slaughter, murder, and unmitigated evil are indeed a very sad commentary on the state mankind finds itself in today as the dark specter of terrorism and chaos attempts to engulf our entire world.

We can never forgive and we should never forget the evil that these minions of darkness—in their acts of barbarity, cruelty and cowardice—perpetrated upon the innocent, unsuspecting people in the magnificent city of Paris during the evening of November 13, 2015. 

The death and destruction wrought by these armed terrorists, although similar to that which occurred to “Charlie Hebdo” earlier in the year on January 7, 2015, was unfortunately executed on a much larger scope and scale resulting in the deaths of 129 people presently and injuries to over 350. All of this transpired in the later evening hours with a cold and quick military precision among terrifying shouts of “Allahu Akbar” by ISIS-associated terrorists.

All of this was supposed to done by these terrorists in the name of God! Huh? Really? All of this was to satiate a dark thirst and to justify an evil philosophy of murder, rape, pillage, and destruction en masse in the Middle East—and now brought to the evening-hour streets of the great city of Paris in France.

The makes me weep the deepest tears possible for sure, as I am also sure it does Almighty God in Heaven! This horrific event is beyond the pale of any semblance of human decency and dignity, let alone morality! These self-styled Islamic terrorists and extremists filled with hate and anger committed the cold-blooded murder of innocent people to fulfill their warped vision of Islamic sanctity—and in God’s name! This was an abhorrent act of absolute sacrilegious depravity on the part of these terrorists!

These individuals may perpetrate this evil and stain the streets with the blood of innocent people presently, but they shall never be allowed to win in this ultimate struggle. The motto “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité” (or “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”) for France stands at the vanguard of freedom and justice as a timeless symbol and legacy from the Age of Enlightenment that is now inextricably bound as part of the French national heritage. I pay my humble tears and respect for what this historical motto stands for and means today.

The freedom-loving countries of the world and their people must stand together now with France in this hour of maximum danger, and help support its government and people in combating and destroying this dark specter of terrorism that has entered its borders and murdered innocent people without any iota of conscience or remorse whatsoever.

With all of this said, I offer my sincere respect to all of the dead and injured victims who had to endure this nightmare tragedy in Paris on the evening of November 13, 2015. My God protect the eternal souls of those who perished in these coordinated acts of senseless violence, and give solace and peace to their families and loved ones who remain behind.

I know that I shall never forget this evening of terrible violence inflicted upon Paris and its innocent people, just like the violence and death during 9/11 in the United States.

May God Bless the victims’ eternal souls forever, and let us pray that the murderous violence of ISIS and other radical movements analogous to them are one day stamped out from the face of this Earth. Amen!!   

Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved,
November 15, 2015 (Narrative)

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Robert Lindley May 1, 2016 at 10:08 PM BRILLIANT AND TRUTHFUL APPRAISING THE SAVAGERY AND INSANITY THESE ANIMALS ENGAGE IN. Our current government, does its best to see to it that these animals are not fully engaged AND DESTROYED. WE SHOULD BE ASKING WHY..... AND ASKING OBAMA WHY HE HAD HAD ISIS command and Control center in Raqqa OFF LIMITS FOR U.S. airstrikes for two long years. Took the French to hit it and he expressed his anger about that strike. Guy bats for our NATION'S enemies. A sad fact.. Gary Bateman May 2, 2016 at 8:04 AM Thanks Robert for your follow-up note here on my poem!! Whoever the next U.S. president may be, there can never be any comprise or any sort of deals with ISIS and the other various terrorist groups. The ultimate stakes are far TOO HIGH, not to take any aggressive action in response. This "Human Cancer" must be eliminated from the face of our Earth -- for sure!! All of the dead souls from this and other similar terrorist-inspired events, cry out for justice!! Cheers and Best, Gary

Suzanne Delaney December 30, 2015 at 2:05 PM Gary: The sadness of all this, is that politics has trumped defence... Hands tied by political ambitions is the benign evil behind everything that is escalating. Poor leadership or reluctance to act....but what do I know. Have a great New Year. SuZ Gary Bateman December 30, 2015 at 2:40 PM Hello SuZ!! Thanks for your note here and poignant observation. Politics has certainly played it role for sure as you've indicated. As an American Expat living in Germany (my wife's country), I tend not to look at things through "rose-colored" glasses. And I think you are spot on when you mention "poor leadership" and/or "reluctance to act." And with the current presidential politics in full array now in the USA, all of this will become even more interesting!! Best Wishes to you and your family!! Happy New Year!! Gary

Vera Duggan November 17, 2015 at 6:07 PM Hi Gary, absolutely brilliant write my friend, I am sure you have spoken for everyone here, I still have 9/11 on my mind, how can we forget what these people are doing to us, why can't we live in peace, God bless all those victims and Death to ISIS, take care my friend............Vera Gary Bateman November 17, 2015 at 7:10 PM Thanks Vera here so much!! I wrote an piece earlier in this year in January very similar to this one (posted on Poetry Soup) called: "JE SUIS CHARLIE -- Afterthought," which was very much in the same vein as this one. (And I wrote one in August 2014 which was my second poem posted to PS called "The Unholy Ones," which was a Terza Rima write in which I declared great shame at ISIS for their fake murderous movement and the evil they perpetuate!! During 9/11, I was working at the U.S. State Department on special assignment and just arrived that morning at work when the 747 plane hit the Pentagon. I had military colleagues and friends that were in the Pentagon on that fateful day!! All of us have a moral obligation to resist this cancerous evil and to ensure it is totally destroyed. They have hurt and killed so many innocent people!! Cheers and Best Vera!! Gary

Liam Mcdaid November 16, 2015 at 3:10 PM strangely i wrote one myself calling for peace not bombing outstanding pen pal well done spoken straight from the soul Gary Bateman November 17, 2015 at 1:53 PM Thanks Liam Mate!! I read your recent post and its was a truly superb write (as I always expect no less from you)!! Just keep in mind that the word "Peace" is no where to be found in dictionary of ISIS and it's merry band of thugs, rapists, and murderers!! Let us pray and be resolute in the days ahead in support efforts to see this evil totally eradicated. I hope this can be so!! Cheers and Best, Gary

Robert Lindley November 15, 2015 at 9:33 PM I AM ADDING THIS GREAT NARRATIVE WRITE TO MY FAV LIST MY FRIEND. Superbly written and one can see the heart within each word! A7 Gary Bateman November 17, 2015 at 1:50 PM Thanks Robert!! I had to write this one. (You already know my narrative on national and international security.) The Civilized Free World is now facing a most vicious and evil enemy for sure. Thanks for the "7" and the FAV!! I'm truly honored that you FAVed this one. Cheers and Best!! Gary

Demetrios Trifiatis November 15, 2015 at 6:24 PM A monumental writing narrating the events, causes, people, ideologies, misconceptions and violence that lead to the horrific crime committed against France and its people! We all should read and re-read it, mein guter freund so as to realize the magnitude of the danger that exists of a total war! Congratulations for taking the time to create this wonderfully written poem. A seven, mein freund Gary! Gary Bateman November 17, 2015 at 1:40 PM Herr Professor!! Ich bedanke mich sehr!! Thanks for your wonderful comments and observation Demetrios. The civilized world is now confronting a force of pure absolute evil for sure. We all need to stand shoulder to shoulder with France and the rest of the free world in this struggle. We're now in the "Eye of the Hurricane." Thanks too for the 7!! Cheers and Best, Gary

Anne-Lise Andresen November 15, 2015 at 2:25 PM - A really wonderful poem for reflection, dear friend Gary- (sorry I did not read this yesterday) - First Class (tr) - All I can say: I cry with you, and for all the dead and their families and friends - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Gary Bateman November 15, 2015 at 3:13 PM It is all very sad indeed Dear Anne-Lise!! I was compelled to write my narrative here on behalf of all of the victims and their families so afflicted by all of the senseless violence and killings. Thanks for your read and the "TR." This write was the very least I could do. This horrible event touched my soul very deeply!! Cheers and Best Wishes Always!! Gary

Eileen Manassian November 15, 2015 at 11:37 AM This is so full of truth, Gary. My heart also aches for all who are innocent victims of misguided ideology. May God enveloped those who mourn in His arms of love and comfort. Blessings to you. Thanks for guiding me to this heartfelt write. Blessings. Anne-Lise Andresen November 15, 2015 at 2:27 PM - A wonderful and interesting, reply Gary - Thanks :) Gary Bateman November 15, 2015 at 1:25 PM Hello Eileen, Thanks so much for your wonderful comments and perspective here. Unfortunately, the long history of mankind is full of examples where different groups of people or countries, regardless of their particular religion, would kill other people all in the name their identified religion. (This was very much so during the Middle Ages for sure.) Unfortunately, ISIS has subverted the peaceful intent and nature of Islam to justify their wild behavior and horrible killings of innocent people, just as the Christians did during the Crusades under the direction of the various "Warrior Popes." All in the name of a religion! It's so very sad to see that this age-old deception is still with us today in the 21st Century. Mankind must do better than this, if we are all going to be able to survive. Best! Gary

Dorian Petersen Potter November 15, 2015 at 11:27 AM Hi G!This is a very beautiful and powerful Narrative tribute poem,that you've penned here my dear friend Gary.Very beautifully written.I cant say much right now, G, but that I am also very sad n upset, for what happened in Paris, and that I am crying a lot too.My heart is very sad indeed.The only thing that we can do is to pray, alot for the whole world.Thank you so much for writing this one, G.Excellent beautiful tribute!Just outstanding!Golden pen!A 7+ a fav!Sending my love n' prayers to you and Ingrid.Take good care of each other.All the best to you always,G!Wishing you a very lovely week! In His light!God bless you always!:) D. Gary Bateman November 15, 2015 at 1:37 PM Hello D! Thanks for you great comments and for the 7 + FAV. I do share your sadness and concern for sure concerning the very terrible events that transpired in Paris. Innocent people killed all in the name of a peaceful religion whose true meaning and peaceful intent they subverted to their twisted beliefs so they could have the opportunity to murder innocent people. Very terrible indeed!! I felt compelled to say something to correct the record on this. You're right, prayer in the end is really all we can other than ensuring that a strong International military coalition is built to defeat and destroy ISIS for good. Best Always!! "G"

Jan Allison November 15, 2015 at 7:06 AM Bravo Gary such a powerful write - I will say no more:-) Hugs jan xx 7 Gary Bateman November 15, 2015 at 9:13 AM Thanks Jan!! This one was one I had to write. Its message speaks loud and clear. I really appreciate your read and comment!! Cheers and Best, Gary