13thWR

MOVEMENT


To force myself to write a poem
Is like forcing a Muslim to be a Jew
Though I might ponder the form
Or wonder of the journey
Square letters stamped on a smooth surface
Don't make a poem
    As perfect prayers in peaceful silence
    Don't make a religion

To force myself to write a poem
Is like forcing the Arabs to welcome the Turks
Though they might consider borders
Or discuss a moving boundary
Cryptic symbols carved in concrete tablets
Don't explain Islam
    As beautiful mosques that boldly beckon Allah
    Don't accept the years of blood

To force myself to write a poem
Is an act of confusion
Though I write the words
Or evaluate the structure
Smoke filled skies in struggling lands
Don't make us think of life
    As soldiers marching on surprised mourners
    Don't justify the movement.

- Donna Burt