Guest poem sent in by Reed C Bowman Here's Andrew Motion's latest take, as UK poet laureate, on the destruction of Iraq (from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/arts/2912557.stm):
(Poem #1215) Regime Change Advancing down the road from Nineveh Death paused a while and said 'Now listen here. You see the names of places roundabout? They're mine now, and I've turned them inside out. Take Eden, further south: At dawn today I ordered up my troops to tear away Its walls and gates so everyone can see That gorgeous fruit which dangles from its tree. You want it, don't you? Go and eat it then, And lick your lips, and pick the same again. Take Tigris and Euphrates; once they ran Through childhood-coloured slats of sand and sun. Not any more they don't; I've filled them up With countless different kinds of human crap. Take Babylon, the palace sprouting flowers Which sweetened empires in their peaceful hours - I've found a different way to scent the air: Already it's a by-word for despair. Which leaves Baghdad - the star-tipped minarets, The marble courts and halls, the mirage-heat. These places, and the ancient things you know, You won't know soon. I'm working on it now.' |
Calling it 'Regime Change', presumably the change from life's to death's realm, from standing monuments of history to fading memory, is bleakly ironic commentary on the political beginnings and propaganda of this war. The comment 'You see the names of places round about?' reflects the extra awe and horror of modern warfare's havoc wreaked on places hallowed by millennia of history. (I'm reminded of James Fenton's "Jerusalem" - I forget if you've run that yet - though there it is the history itself that is the bone of contention. Here it is merely the recipient of attention from that infamous hobgoblin, collateral damage.) I am sure that due attention is in fact being paid by bomber commands not to destroy ancient monuments if it can be helped, as they always insist, but I dread the Friday when at time of prayer some ancient faience-decked and thronging mosque will fall to a bomb made to look like a cruise missile blast, because what better way would there be for a desperate, ruthless and irreligious regime to at least call down vengeance for its own passing on the enemy which is hunting it down? Even if someone's hand balks at that deed, we'll see Monte Cassinos fall, the more in Iraq because their equivalents are more densely strewn, in any city the ground war takes by storm. If we protested the war before it started, this poem is, in a way mourning the passing of monuments which have not yet been destroyed. But beyond that, it laments the stain of death now being brought to the hallows, even if the mosques or temples or palaces or ruins are not battered down. Reed [Martin adds] I like today's poem a lot more than I did Motion's previous antiwar piece, Causa Belli [Poem #1143]. Motion addresses the common concern about priceless historical sites being obliterated in a moment of wanton destruction, and sets that against the background of a Middle East enriched by the passing millennia, the cradle of civilisations, empires and legends. 'Regime Change' doesn't really do justice to the richly evocative, almost legendary nature of the region's history (I wonder, for instance, what Flecker would have made of the same material), but then, that isn't its focus. Instead, its tone captures the indifference-masquerading-as-pragmatism that seems to be vying with patriotic glory as a justification for some of modern warfare's indiscriminate excesses. The understated, almost offhand "I'm working on it now" hits just the right note. martin p.s. Quote of the day: "Andrew Motion said his 22 lines of verse were intended to be explicitly anti-war." -- [broken link] http://dsdsdemo2.ap.org/aptopicsdemo/stories/184_ds_1764009.html
25 comments: ( or Leave a comment )
Curious, when I read this poem before reading any of the comments, I saw it
as relating to the ugly changes in this part of the world due to the act of
Saddam's regime, not the changes taking place during the current attempt at
regime change. I saw the title playing off of George W's 'regime change' by
suggesting that regime changes have occurred before, with negative results
(as pointed out in this poem by 'Death') appearing gradually over time.
david
I feel he has rather wasted what could have been a brilliant poem about
the eternal violent nature of man to make a partisan statement about
what, in historical terms is just a transient affair. Perhaps too he
missed the opportunity to link in with the tradition that Death
originated in Eden in the first place ..
" . the fruit of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste brought death
unto the World and all our woe" (Milton)
Brian
I feel he has rather wasted what could have been a brilliant poem about
the eternal violent nature of man on a partisan statement about what, in
historical terms is a transient affair. Perhaps too he missed the
opportunity to link with the tradition that Death originated in Eden in
the first place ..
" . the fruit of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste brought death
unto the World and all our woe" (Milton)
What's happening now is just a continuation of original sin.
Brian Probert
It's a perfect poem. I translated it into greek. I will send the translation with an other email
Savvas Pavlou
This blog is very good.
Nice poem
What a GREAT POEM.
hello, this post is amazing, i would like to read more about it, because think that this information is very interesting.
I am inclined to agree more with the interpretation given by David (above). Coalition forces passed through Niniveh (Mosul). But the line about the Tigris and the Euphrates is particularly problematic for the interpretation you have given as it was coalition forces that reflooded southeast Iraq for the marsh arabs, which Saddam dammed off. The taste/smell of despair is a trope that harks back to some of the reporting on the first gulf war, in Kuwait and Kurdistan especially. The most favourable reading of the poem I can give is not even a very broad historical one but a failure of Iraq or anywhere for that matter to ever live up to paradise and the dangers of utopian thinking. Not his best and I don't think history will be kind to it. Your comparison begs the question: Why is James Fenton not our poet laureate? Ms. Duffy my shoe.
Jim
What i do not realize is if truth be told how you are now not actually much more smartly-appreciated than you might be right now.
You're so intelligent. You already know therefore considerably in relation to this subject, made me in my view imagine it from numerous numerous angles. Its like women and men aren't involved until it is one
thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your personal
stuffs nice. All the time handle it up!
Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles?
I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything.
Nevertheless imagine if you added some great images or video clips
to give your posts more, "pop"! Your content is excellent but with images and videos, this website could undeniably be one
of the best in its niche. Terrific blog!
My web site: read this post here
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info.
Thanks for the post. I will certainly comeback.
Here is my web blog: skin e dip cream
When some one searches for his required thing, so he/she
wants to be available that in detail, therefore that thing is maintained over here.
Take a look at my weblog ... Increase Female Testosterone
The article posted was very informative and useful
thanks for sharing..
jaring futsal || jaring golf || tali tambang || jaring proyek || jaring bangunan || jaring gedung
JARING FUTSAL || JARING GOLF || JARING KASSA / JARING POLYNET || JARING PENGAMAN PROYEK || JARING PENGAMAN BANGUNAN ||
JARING PENGAMAN GEDUNG || JARING GAWANG || JARING PARANET / JARING TANAMAN || RUMPUT SINTETIS / RUMPUT FUTSAL ||
TANGGA DARURAT || JARING TRUK || JARING CARGO || JARING OUTBOUND || RUMPUT FUTSAL / JASA PENGECATAN || TALI TAMBANG ||
jaring futsal | jaring golf | jaring kassa / jaring polynet | jaring pengaman proyek | jaring pengaman bangunan | jaring pengaman gedung | jaring gawang | jaring paranet / jaring tanaman | rumput sintetis / rumput futsal |
tangga darurat | jaring cargo | agen jaring | jaring outbound | jaring truk | tali tambang
thanks so much for that great blog and thanks also for accepting my links thanks
طريقة عمل الدونات طريقة عمل الغريبة طريقة عمل البان كيك طريقة عمل الكنافة طريقة عمل البسبوسة طريقة عمل الكيك طريقة عمل عجينة البيتزا فوائد القرفه فوائد الزبيب
Untuk Mengobati Kutil Kelamin Pada Pria dan Wanita Tanpa ini tidak hanya dapat dilakukan melalui pengobatan medis dengan cara operasi atau tapi juga sudah banyak pengobatan tradisional
kutil Terbaik Untuk Pria dengan mutu dan kualitas yang terjamin tanpa efek samping
good
Mengobati Benjolan Kutil Kelamin
Benjolan Kutil di Kelamin
Mengobati Kutil di Kelamin
Mengobati Benjolan Kutil yang di Kelamin
Mengobati Tumbuh Kutil Kelamin
Mengobati sakit Tumbuh Kutil di Kelamin
Mengobati Kutil di Kelamin
Mengobati Tumbuh Kutil yang di Kelamin
Muncul Kutil di Kelamin
Muncul benjolan Kutil di Kelamin
Mengobati penyakit Muncul Kutil di Kelamin
Mengobati Muncul Kutil di Kemaluan
Penyebab Kemaluan Keluar Nanah
Penyebab dari Kelamin Keluar Nanah
Penyebab Kelamin Keluar Nanah
Penyebab dari Kemaluan Mengeluarkan Nanah
Penyebab Kemaluan Keluar Nanah
Penyebab Ujung Kelamin Keluar Nanah
Penyebab terjadinya Ujung Kemaluan Keluar Nanah
Penyebab Ujung Kemaluan Mengeluarkan Nanah
Sekitar Kemaluan Keluar Nanah
Penyebab Kemaluan Keluar Nanah
Penyebab Sekitar Kemaluan mengeluarkan Nanah
Penyebab di Sekitar Kemaluan Keluar Nanah
Obat Ambeyen Parah Manjur
Obat Ambeien Parah
Obat Ambeien Manjur
Pengobatan Ambeien Parah Manjur
Obat Ambeien Herbal
Obat Ambeien dengan Herbal Manjur
Obat Ambeien Manjur
Pengobatan Ambeien Herbal Manjur
Cari Obat Ambeien untuk Ibu Sedang Menyusui
Cari Obat sakit Ambeien Ibu Sedang Menyusui
Cari Obat Ambeien Ibu Menyusui
Cari Obat Ambeyen Ibu Sedang Menyusui
Obat Sipilis Jogja
obat sipilis de nature
Obat Sipilis Tradisional Daun Sirih
obat sipilis paling ampuh
obat sipilis di apotik
obat sipilis raja singa
Obat Sipilis Jogja
obat sipilis de nature
obat sipilis tradisional daun sirih
obat sipilis di apotik umum
obat sipilis dokter
obat sipilis generik
t sipilis yang paling ampuh
obat sipilis
Obat Sipilis Tradisional
Obat Sipilis Di Apotik
Obat Sipilis Alami
Obat Sipilis Paling Ampuh
Obat Sipilis Dengan Bayam Duri
Obat Sipilis Pada Pria
Obat Sipilis Raja Singa
Obat Sipilis Jogja
Obat Sipilis De Nature
Obat Sipilis Di Jual Di Apotik
Obat Sipilis Di Apotik Terdekat
Obat Sipilis Di Apotik Kimia Farma
Obat Sipilis Di Apotik Resep Dokter
Obat Sipilis Di Kimia Farma
Obat Sipilis Jogja
obat sipilis de nature
Obat Sipilis Tradisional Daun Sirih
obat sipilis paling ampuh
obat sipilis di apotik
obat sipilis raja singa
Obat Sipilis Jogja
obat sipilis de nature
obat sipilis tradisional daun sirih
obat sipilis di apotik umum
obat sipilis dokter
obat sipilis generik
t sipilis yang paling ampuh
obat sipilis
Obat Sipilis Tradisional
Obat Sipilis Di Apotik
Obat Sipilis Alami
Obat Sipilis Paling Ampuh
Obat Sipilis Dengan Bayam Duri
Obat Sipilis Pada Pria
Obat Sipilis Raja Singa
Obat Sipilis Jogja
Obat Sipilis De Nature
Obat Sipilis Di Jual Di Apotik
Obat Sipilis Di Apotik Terdekat
Obat Sipilis Di Apotik Kimia Farma
Obat Sipilis Di Apotik Resep Dokter
Obat Sipilis Di Kimia Farma
Obat Sipilis Amoxicillin
Obat Sipilis Adalah
Obat Sipilis Apa
Obat sifilis Akut
Obat Sipilis Apa Namanya
Obat Sipilis Alami
Obat Sipilis Tradisional
Obat Sipilis Di Apotik
Obat Sipilis Paling Ampuh
Obat Sipilis Dengan Bayam Duri
Obat Sipilis Di Apotik
Obat Sipilis Alami
Obat Sipilis Paling Ampuh
Obat Sipilis Dengan Bayam Duri
Obat Sipilis Raja Singa
Obat Sipilis Jogja
Obat Sipilis De Nature
Obat Sipilis Tradisional Daun Sirih
Obat Sipilis Di Apotik Umum
Obat Sipilis Kimia Farma
Obat Sipilis Pada Pria Rumah
Obat Sipilis Murah
Obat Sipilis Amoxicillin
Obat Sipilis Apa Ya
Obat Sifilis Akut
Obat Sipilis Yang Paling Ampuh
obat gejala dan penyebab wasir
cara mengobati wasir_4
obat ambeien ampuh terbukti cepat sembuh
obat wasir tuntas
obat wasir bengkak_4
obat wasir nyeri di anus_4
obat wasir menahun_4
obat wasir untuk ibu hamil
pengobatan wasir
operasi wasir
obat wasir luar
obat wasir anus keluar benjolan biru
obat wasir ampuh terbukti cepat sembuh
obat wasir saat hamil tua
obat wasir alami_2948
obat tanaman untuk wasir
obat wasir eksternal
obat wasir ampuh
wasir sembuh secara herbal
obat wasir berdarah
atasi wasir tanpa efek samping
obat wasir tradisional
obat oles wasir
obat wasir apotik
michael kors outlet stores michael kors outlet online sale michael kors outlet michael kors outlet online michael kors 2015 michael kors outlet michael kors outlet stores mbt Shoes discount mbt Shoes mbt shoes sale mbt shoes online Buy mbt shoes online mbt shoes shopping mbt footwear new mbt mbt usa mbt canada coach outlet coach outlet stores coach outlet online coach factory coach factory outlet coach factory online coach outlet store online coach outlet online coach factory outlet coach outlet coach outlet stores coach outlet online coach outlet store online
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
CLICK
Cara Pengobatan Kanker Stadium 2
Cara Alami Pengobatan Kanker Stadium 2
Cara Pengobatan Penyakit Kanker Stadium 2
Cara Mudah Pengobatan Kanker Stadium 2
Cara Pengobatan Atasi Kanker Stadium 2
Nice Poem love it
Vehicle News
Vehicle Notify
Vehicle Blog
Vehicles auto
Post a Comment