Kobani, 2015

--Inspired by recent events in Syria.--

 

It is over.

If only for now, it is over.

The thunder and fire by night.

The thunder and fire by day.

It is over.

If only for now, it is over.

 

What was it all for?

 

Our friends and family have fled.

Our children.

Our neighbours.

Our husbands and wives.

Our fathers and mothers.

Fearing for their lives.

They stream in lines across the wasteland

To be stopped at barbed wire.

 

What was it all for?

 

The tanks rumbled out,

And drew a line at our outskirts.

Jets passed overhead

While below we dug in behind sandbags,

Switched off the safety

And waited for Them to arrive.

They were not to enter the city.

Not while we were still alive.

 

What was it all for?

 

Houses of tan and white

Once climbed the hilside.

Houses of tan and white

Now smashed

And scattered in the street.

Scattered alongside the bodies.

The bodies of friend

And the bodies of foe.

 

What was it all for?

 

They will be back.

Yes, they will be back.

And we will still be here. 

Yes, we will still be here

Waiting for them to arrive.

They will not enter the city.

Not while we are still alive.