Our feet patter pathetically across cold concrete,
Bare to the elements and the whim of gravity.
Murder coated rockets are whizzing towards us
Through the black sparkling skies above our heads.

Safety is eventually reached with seconds to spare
As the siren ceases and the eeriness begins its stare.
Then after a few laboured breaths their message arrives,
In the form of a distant boom and a trembling ground.

By Edward Beaman-Hodgkiss

For the last few days, Israel has been under attack from terrorists in the Gaza Strip. This poem documents the experiences I have encountered when rocket alert sirens have sounded across the city of Ashdod at night and the damage they cause both to humans and property.

“Poets are inspired by what is happening in the outside world. Their imagination absorbs it,” says veteran Pashto poet in the city of Peshawar, Rahmat Shah Sael. “That is why Pashto poets are writing about violence in one way or another.”

Poetry has a long history in the region and has often be used as an expression of cultural pride and indeed of identity. Regular poetry gatherings are arranged, despite the many dangers and threats from the Taliban. Large crowds gather to listen to poets recite their work and that of the historical figures.

Khushhal Khan Khattak, who was a warrior poet in the 17th Century is still greatly revered as is the mystic poet Rahman Baba (pictured) who died in the year 1711. They are both considered giants of Pashto poetry and literature.

“It is not the poets’ choice to write about war and violence, they are compelled to do so – to express their reaction and hatred to bloodshed,” says Darwesh Durrani, a popular Pashto poet and professor of literature in Quetta.

Young poets from across the country have written poems describing events they have witnessed with their own eyes, including the deaths of parents, children and whole villages. Some address their poems directly to the suicide bombers who sow so much destruction and pain.

Zarlasht Hafeez, a female Pashto poet has managed to publish a collection of poetry about the events in her homeland. The collection is called “Waiting for Peace” and here is a brief extract:

“The sorrow and grief, these black evenings,
Eyes full of tears and times full of sadness,
These burnt hearts, the killing of youths,
These unfulfilled expectations and unmet hopes of brides,
With a hatred for war, I call time and again,
I wait for peace for the grief-stricken Pashtuns”

If you want to read some Pashto poetry then the book below will be of particular interest to you.

Songs of Love and War: Afghan Women’s Poetry

The active voice of the Afghan woman affirms simple pleasures and bemoans widespread suffering. The poems celebrate nature, mountains, rivers, dawn, and night’s magnetic space. They are songs of war and honor, shame and love, death and beauty.

Time: 03.00
Setting: Bedroom

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Some irrelevant moth in the dark corner of my bedroom:

Hey you!
Sleeping down there
Wake up bulky shrew!
Do you scare?

Beaman:

Why would I be fearful of you my dear?
What fool would quake because of you clung near?
Where is the sweat running down terror’d brow?
Who are you? I say sleep or depart now!

Moth:

Cease sough!
Question I hold.
Rest I not allow.
I’m Kobold*!

Beaman:

The moon is shining but my mind is glowing
You are but indigestion!
A dream, so pray do ask your question.

Moth:

Persia,
Her nukes soon true.
Western inertia
What to do?

Beaman:

Whilst doubtless from a mental apparition
This matter, though grave, needs recognition;
A tough predicament we now do face,
If we’re to avoid nuclear ambsace.

Their leader, Ahmadinejad be his name
Finds use in rhetoric and lies to inflame;
Plans blossoming, an evil insensate,
A land poison-filled soon to deflagrate.

An ancient foe aroused in wailing mist
While Europe honours the brave pacifist;
The left’s hand seeks out peace and fellowship,
But with Israel their harmony slips.

What will we say to our children tomorrow
When London, Rome or Berlin cry sorrow?
Amidst the radioactive ruins sad.
That we disregarded nuclear jihad?

Let us soon see our brave air warriors deploy,
To fix claws on power plants and destroy!
With steel in their wings and hearts fiercely hardy
They’ll crush the holocaust-causing Mahdi.

Moth:

Sound words.
Leave take meanwhile.
Return undeterred.
So I will!

Beaman:

Why old moth? Why?

Silence.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* A spirit of German folklore. The name comes from the word kobalt or kobold meaning “evil spirit”.

On the 21st of July, former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic was arrested in Belgrade on charges of war crimes and genocide. He is set to stand trial at The Hague. I’ve been following this story closely over the last week and as a result it occurred to me that the 3rd Poetry Prompt could be themed on the rather unpalatable subject of ‘War’.

You can take the word in anyway you wish, be it the warfare seen on the world’s battlefields today; the conflicts faced yesteryear, whether Vietnam or the Battle of Hastings; or alternatively it can be based on the daily struggles you face with someone obnoxious at work or with a chronic illness. Whatever route you take, be creative with the words you use and perhaps think of the structure of your poem and how it relates to the imagery of what you describe.

When you have completed the poem, post the direct link in the ‘auto-links’ box below and also make a comment in the comment’s section. Before or following this, take time over the coming week to visit other entries from fellow poets and add a friendly comment or two regarding what you felt about their poem. This last part is vital if we are all to gain value from this exercise.

Next Thursday evening I will create a round-up of my personal favourite pieces but remember, this is not a competition. If you need any help or advice, then either contact me or pose a question in the comments section and I’m sure someone will be available to give you a hand.
Have Fun!

Badges for ‘Poetry Prompt’ can be found here.