“BAGHDAD (AFP) – The US death toll in Iraq reportedly hit 2,000 amid a sharp spike in violence that killed 14 Iraqis … with the deaths of two more soldiers. … (AFP) Thank you, Tehanu, for alerting us.
Bread and Circuses
Mired in heat and dust and sand
Gallant band of brothers true
Country’s service is their aim
Death and maiming is their due
In where angels fear to tread
Foolish, dreaded leaders rush
Bringing power’s fearsome groan
Leaving only graveyard’s hush
“By the pricking of my thumbs”
This way comes the wicked pawn
Drunk with drinking conquest’s draught
Juggernaut goes crushing on
Continued below:
In where angels fear to tread
Foolish, dreaded leaders rush
Bringing power’s fearsome groan
Leaving only graveyard’s hush
“By the pricking of my thumbs”
This way comes the wicked pawn
Drunk with drinking conquest’s draught
Juggernaut goes crushing on
Won with honest trifles’ lure
Still so sure in dwindling light
Now betrayed in consequence
Of the senseless, needless fight
Can this be the path they chose?
How can those who serve inquire?
Why has this rough beast come ’round
To be drowned and born in fire?
Stillborn monster, undead thing!
Still we sing your praises high.
They about to die salute
And saluting, fight and die.
Hear the crowd’s roar! Feel the heat
Of the meat now roasting slow.
Do they die for reasons known?
Or for only pomp and show?
Who has wavered; who stands fast
’Till the last good soul goes free?
Who says “he” and who says “she?”
Who but thee and who but me.
Michael Murry, “The Misfortune Teller,” Copyright 2004
From Patrick Lang’s blog, Sic Semper Tyrannis 2005
Thank you to Michael Murry for granting permission to reprint his poem.
Thank you to RubDMC for the candle image.