Eileen Manassian | + Follow Poet |
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Stockholm and Syria- a Life Is a Life

a life is a life
there is no grading scale of value
irrespective of
country of origin
or country of residence
or country of destination

a life is a life
we are all children
of God
there is no lesser God
there is no greater God
there is God
the Supreme Being
We are all his children

we call Him by different names
that is to our own shame
He is the same

a life is a life
not man's to take
not man's to torture
not man's to break

a life is a life
the life blood still seeps
into the ground
while we stand by and weep

and still the question echoes
"where is your brother?
where is your sister?
where are the children?
where are the mothers
the fathers?
whose blood is soaking the ground?"

and still we shamelessly bellow:
"Am I my Brother's Keeper?"

and the answer hasn't change
time cannot change it
nor circumstance
"yes"
......"Oh, Yes!"
we are one family
Don't just let it be...
"Who cares!
it's not happening to me!"

Stockholm and Syria
My heart is crying
endless requiem
for those dead and dying

a life is a life is a life...is a life
one day that life will be mine
one day that life will be yours
that life will be taken
taken by force

who places the value on life?

Silence is the breeding ground
where atrocitiesmflourish
"after all, who remembers the Armenians"
Hitler intimated
as the Jews he annihilated

Speak OUT!

a life is a life
death was not meant to be
not for them
not for you
not for me

a life is a life

Eileen Manassian

Copyright © Eileen Manassian | Year Posted 2017

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Anil Deo Date: 4/29/2017 5:47:00 AM . marhabah. this one touched me deeply ... i was too emotional to say anything. Thanx. Salaam and shalom, shalom. Keep writing & bearing witness that peacemakers come from all nations Login to Reply Eileen Manassian Date: 5/2/2017 10:13:00 AM Thank you, dear Anil. I'm glad to read your post. This world is full of hatred and usually the innocent are the ones to suffer form the power games the superpowers play. Thanks for the post.

Anil Deo Date: 4/29/2017 5:47:00 AM SEVEN Login to Reply

Frederic Parker Date: 4/22/2017 2:15:00 PM The story of Cain and Able is a metaphor for mankind We are both peace and death We have mercy We have no mercy Your poem is relevant for the times we live Dear Poet. Sorrow felt for the passing of your family member Prayers sent for you and yours Login to Reply Eileen Manassian Date: 5/2/2017 10:21:00 AM Thank you, dear Frederic. You are a source of comfort to me...always. Blessings

Paul Callus Date: 4/18/2017 11:09:00 AM This is expressive and heartfelt, Eileen. To love and be loved...and all we see is fighting and bloodshed! How can we accept that life becomes so cheap!! There can never be true love unless hate and greed are eradicated. Hugs // paul Login to Reply

Richard Lamoureux Date: 4/14/2017 8:46:00 AM Happy Easter! Hugs Rick. Login to Reply

Doug Vinson Date: 4/12/2017 11:33:00 AM "Violence is the solution." At least that's what seems to be deeply ingrained in our species (or should I say in the males?). Eileen, you are right that "a life is a life." Yet where do we go from there? "No grading scale of value" - I think this is mutable. In my lifetime we've gone from under 3 billion to over 7 billion people on earth. In a few decades it will be 9 to 10 billion. Overall, not a pretty picture. Login to Reply

Richard Lamoureux Date: 4/12/2017 8:35:00 AM I am disturbed by the recent change in USA policy concerning innocent people and future attacks. This is a sad time in human history. Well expressed Eileen. Login to Reply Eileen Manassian Date: 4/12/2017 8:54:00 AM Yes, Richard. It will only get worse until Jesus returns. That's my belief based on the Word. It's just so heart rending to know that man can do such vile acts. I've missed you. Hope all is well...Hugs. BTW...I'm in Cyprus. Celebrating Easter with the family here.

Carl Fraser Date: 4/12/2017 2:20:00 AM Isnt it sad Eileen that mankind. Thinks nothing of going to war yet in the end all they win is a pile of wartorn rubble and spend a lifetime burying the dead. Very good write. Blessings Carl Login to Reply Eileen Manassian Date: 4/12/2017 8:52:00 AM Yes, it is sad, Carl. Sometimes it just numbs the mind. Unfortunately, the powers that be have vested interest in the outcome....I don't know what else to say on the matter. Thanks for the visit. Richard Lamoureux Date: 4/12/2017 8:32:00 AM Well said Carl.

Maria Williams Date: 4/11/2017 10:29:00 PM A truly inspiring write dear Eileen. When will man realize that he is here to give Life , not take it? Login to Reply Eileen Manassian Date: 4/12/2017 1:45:00 AM Thank you, Maria, for the visit and comment. Man is very self centered, unfortunately. We need daily reminders of what really matters in life. Hugs

Arthur Vaso Date: 4/10/2017 10:13:00 PM Part 2 continued.... I feel in all your writes the compassion towards others, and sometimes the words, “look here look here, love me too!” Words we may not say but thoughts we all wish to express. What a joy to read this! Hugs! Login to Reply Eileen Manassian Date: 4/12/2017 1:49:00 AM Would that all have the insight that you do, Arthur. The need to be loved runs deeply in my veins. One with a little bit of compassion and understand would see and understand. Thank you, for being a sweet considerate fellow writer. Hugs, dear one.

Arthur Vaso Date: 4/10/2017 10:12:00 PM Part 1) I had to step away for a sec, for the tears, you have said this so well. I might add, when you write poetry that is of love, sensual, erotic, beautiful, romantic, loving, I see this as not only love poetry, but of love for all humanity, that we all embrace, that we all feel these joys and live life to the fullest of its beauty. Login to Reply Eileen Manassian Date: 4/12/2017 1:46:00 AM Thank you, Arthur. I'm afraid not many share your views on my passionate writes. I try not to let it bother me, but I don't always succeed. It doesn't help to quote the Song of Solomon either! ;) Anyway, I will write what my muse dictates...Comments like yours make it worthwhile, dear. Hugs

Charmaine Chircop Date: 4/10/2017 1:22:00 PM Eileen..I have misty eyes and goosebumps...I am touched and moved deeply by your words and was heartbroken by the events happening these past days.This should be potd or potw dear friend.A fave. Login to Reply Eileen Manassian Date: 4/10/2017 1:42:00 PM My dear....I wrote this before knowing of what happened in Egypt. What timing...During this sacred and solemn time, people are robbed of loved ones...of the joy of celebration...it's so sad. Love you, dear. I'm currently in Cyprus, here to spend Easter with my father. My brother will be traveling here on Thursday. Hugs, dear one.

Emile Pinet Date: 4/10/2017 11:13:00 AM The imagery of this piece is well suited to the emotions solicited from the author...starting with a sullen bleak look that blossoms into the vibrant pulse and energetic feel of freedom. Your style is dramatic and conveys feelings well. Emile. Login to Reply Eileen Manassian Date: 4/10/2017 1:20:00 PM Thank you, Emile. I'm sorry that the world is deaf to the cries of the innocent...I'm glad you liked this piece. I don't know if it will make any difference to anyone...but I know that God hears and knows. Blessings.

Demetrios Trifiatis Date: 4/10/2017 1:59:00 AM What a divine message you were inspired to write my dearest sister in Christ, Eileen! May your words of truth be heard all over the world and may our Lord always protect you! Superb writing and a 7! Myself wrote on Egypt's tragedy today! Login to Reply Eileen Manassian Date: 4/10/2017 1:43:00 PM Yes, what happened in Egypt has really brought sorrow to us all. I cannot imagine the pain of losing someone dear who has gone to church to worship the Savior. This world needs the Prince of Peace. There is no other solution....He will come...and soon. Blessings.

Laura Leiser Date: 4/9/2017 10:23:00 PM Such a powerful message here in your dynamic poem, Eileen! I could see it being read from a political podium. Excellent, 7++ Login to Reply Eileen Manassian Date: 4/10/2017 1:46:00 PM What it make a difference, dear Laura. I like to think it might give some pause for thought...if nothing else. Thank you for your comment. Hugs

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart Date: 4/9/2017 6:11:00 PM Amen lovely xomo Login to Reply Eileen Manassian Date: 4/10/2017 1:46:00 PM Thank you, dear. :) XO

Probir Gupta Date: 4/9/2017 9:16:00 AM Powerful call in the nice poem to speak out ... We all should join in ... Fie upon those who take life ... Login to Reply Eileen Manassian Date: 4/10/2017 1:47:00 PM Thank you, I wish we would all join in and call for peace. Blessings, Probir.

Glen Schwartz Date: 4/9/2017 8:03:00 AM Great Write.. We are born where we are born ,of non of our own doing . We should pride ourselves on our good deeds not where God placed us.. I say put on his shoes for a day and that trigger won't pull so easy.. Thanks for bringing Light.. Login to Reply Eileen Manassian Date: 4/10/2017 1:48:00 PM Yes...unfortunately, first world, second world, third world mentality is rampant. People are classified, and well I know this. My life has changed since obtaining a European passport..the discrimination I faced before as an Armenian Iranian and the civility I face now...bear testament to that. I am the same person inside. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.