Standstill

Strangely bent this journey extends
Surreal at times, yet so real at ends
Each end confronts with a hardship of choices
With an abrupt passing, or an eternity of voices...

You and I, once on similar trends
Like brothers, we traversed all evil impends
The wheels then turned, unleashed worst of fears
We parted asunder on an ocean of tears

Through fallen decades, aggrieved heart sustained
I found my calling, forgot I was pained
Just when the going got peaceful and boring
Gales of anguish, and war started pouring

Again, I was forced to extinguish my wills
Left home for those in need of my skills
Forced to welcome the worst of thrills
A reward for one with the highest kills?

As we splattered blood on uncertain causes
Strode down the road of victories and losses
A vessel, merely, I was as I killed
Of sons, of husbands, of fathers, I spilled

In the heat of the battle, as I charged through
When my craving eyes met the eyes of you
That instant, that second, that moment, I knew
Neither decades nor ages could help subdue

My faltering sword could no longer fight
For whom I now behold in my sight
And I question my vow, having vowed despite
Whether or not my cause was right

Yet again, I stand on the recurring hill
In the midst of havoc, at a standstill
A piece of land that I swore to defend
Is it worth the life of a brother, a friend?

Copyright © | Year Posted 2011



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Date: 3/23/2012 5:23:00 AM
While stopping by to read your wonderful poetry I want to say thank you for the kind comments you have left on mine. I hope you have a beautiful weekend and find it full of inspiration M. Hussain. Love, Carol
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Date: 2/1/2012 7:05:00 PM
I've often wondered what it must be like to look in the eyes of someone you are about to kill. I have to visit sometimes Huussain, nice to hear from you and I wonder how you are. Take care dear friend.
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Date: 12/6/2011 11:45:00 AM
You address the ruin of all mankind, and in a brilliant way. This, truly, is the dividing line between Earth and the sublime. Knowing truth, yet swept-up by mortal terror and weakness. Great write, M. Love, daver
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Date: 10/13/2011 4:13:00 PM
I had to come back for a second dose of this heavy-hitter piece of poetry. Its even better the second time around. Saved to Favs. Also, thanks for checking out "A Little Thing Called Love." Its a song (lyrics) which is why I didn't call it a rhyme but glad you enjoyed. Thanks again my friend.
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Date: 10/12/2011 5:23:00 PM
Will humanity never learn? Nice job! Peace & Blessings Matthew Anish
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Date: 10/1/2011 8:29:00 PM
yes, I read it again and am enthralled all over the second time. I'll put in my favs to have it always. And I'm working on getting out of my "sad" rut. Will be more positive for awile at least!
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Date: 9/26/2011 11:55:00 AM
so enjoyed reading this most creative poetry Hussain.. fervent lines of great emotion and reminiscent of life and it's passion luv.. appreciate your sweet comments always...
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Date: 9/23/2011 9:23:00 AM
I could read this a hundred times and never get tired of the melody that goes through the verse. It almost sobs in the sorrow of the moment and the mesage of splattered blood on uncertain causes is both brilliant and so true. PS how do I get to your brother's poems? He doesn't comment on yours so I have nothing to click on. Hugs to you Lizzie
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Date: 9/22/2011 9:34:00 AM
PS: This goes in my "Favorites" folder!
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Date: 9/22/2011 9:32:00 AM
Hussain, this has more depth and feeling reading it the second time around than it did the first. Amazing work my friend. A real eye-opener. And thanks for your thoughts on "America" (again). I live in Alexandria, Egypt and most folks here would give almost anything to have the freedoms and pleasures we take for granted back in the US. We Americans tend to focus too often on our problems rather than our blessings. Call me a stupid optimist but I love the US and always will. Thanx Again.
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Date: 9/20/2011 1:20:00 PM
Enjoyed reading your great work..Very creative indeed..Thanks for stopping by, reading, and commenting on my work..Sara
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Date: 9/19/2011 8:41:00 PM
This went into my favs!
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Date: 9/19/2011 8:40:00 PM
Hussain, I don't have words to describe what this poem does to me. The skill to put something this emotional together takes a lot out of a person. Beautifully done dear friend, the message is chilling as it is filled with hope in the last line. You're the good part of humanity. PS, I don't deserve your dear comments when you visit but they sure give me a lift! Hugs to you.
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Date: 9/19/2011 5:00:00 PM
Hussain, if I didn't know better I'd say this writing is the voice of the ages speaking. Perhaps you/we have been there a time or two in the past and are only now beginning to awaken from the dream - if you know what I mean and I think you do. No matter, its an AWESOME piece of beauty and I'm priviledged to read it and to know the likes of you. And thanks for your comments and bio in "Where have you gone America." Interesting stuff and Soup is making this world much smaller! Terry
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Date: 9/18/2011 6:26:00 PM
A message conveyed with such ease and eloquence. Brilliant write with exceptional rhymes and expressions. Just marvellous!
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Date: 9/18/2011 2:57:00 PM
Oh, my! Chilling! Quite a write here, Hussain, thanks~N
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