In the Aftermath of Abu Ghraib

(recently found in my old notebook of poems)



In the Aftermath of Abu Ghraib

And the Fallujah Massacre



Here in this war zone

We could die any time

I never felt fear of death

As I do now.



We sit by our window

And check which car is

Parked outside



They’re going after everyone now

Good deeds done in months past

Cannot measure up

To this great transgression

No longer targeting only

Soldier or spy

War profiteer

But aid worker

And human rights activist



They have the right to be angry

But in their rage

Will they still remember

This faithful friendship?



I never felt so acutely the

Fear of gang rape

Or drive-by shootings

Measuring every word spoken

So as not to bring death

Sooner upon us.



And seeing our tanks and checkpoints

On their soil

Seeing the blood-soaked deeds

Of my country

On their TV screens

I wonder, really

Who will kill us first?



Do all souls here die in a

blaze of glory



Or just the blaze of oil?



Spring 2004