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Open Poetry #10
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jonmcm
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since 2000-10-11
Posts 222
England

0 posted 2000-10-19 06:27 PM


The traffic light now signals green.
The street is filled with Saturdays bustle.
Life in motion on this street is seen;
It’s just the usual weekend shopping hassle.

The traffic light now signals amber.
Towards a safer life, these people clamber
With thoughts and prayers for happier days,
For the stop start peace, to be fully engaged.



The traffic light now signals red.
The street is greyed by a dust cloud haze,
And its patrons motionless: many dead!
The survivors’ statuesque in disbelieving daze.

The landscape painted by terrorists’ hands,
The artistic style no one can understand.
The picture articulates evil in its scene,
But the traffic light will again shine green.



http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/events/omagh/events.htm




[This message has been edited by jonmcm (edited 10-19-2000).]

© Copyright 2000 Jonathan McMahon - All Rights Reserved
Elizabeth
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Minnesota
1 posted 2000-10-19 06:34 PM


Thanks for the link and the poem. Really sad that those things happen.

Elizabeth


Something sweet, something sort of grandish, sweeps my soul when thou art near...
hedeservesbetter@hotmail.com


passing shadows
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since 1999-08-26
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displaced
2 posted 2000-10-19 07:26 PM


this one touched me deeply jonmcm...I have a friend that speaks of such things and it breaks my heart
jonmcm
Member
since 2000-10-11
Posts 222
England
3 posted 2000-10-20 08:43 AM


Thanks for taking time to read the poem passing shadows and Elizabeth.

It was a recent documentry aired by the BBC in England that inspired me. I saw the devastation left by the bomb but also that the traffic light was still working.

It was like a sign that there is hope, there can still be movement towards a comprehensive peace settlement.

There is no justification for acts of violence such as these any where in the world.

Best wishes!  
Jon

passing shadows
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displaced
4 posted 2000-10-20 11:28 AM


yes, maybe there are certain signs of hope...sometimes though, they're hard to see.
jonmcm
Member
since 2000-10-11
Posts 222
England
5 posted 2000-10-20 07:05 PM


I agree it is difficult to see sometimes, but I'd rather search for the slightest bit of hope, than give up.

Thanks
Jon

passing shadows
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displaced
6 posted 2000-10-21 10:15 PM


This is a good one, I think some people missed so I'm sending it up again
jonmcm
Member
since 2000-10-11
Posts 222
England
7 posted 2000-10-22 10:52 AM


PS thank you!

Regards
Jon

Marge Tindal
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Florida's Foreverly Shores
8 posted 2000-10-22 11:19 AM


JonMcM~
This was a poignant piece and the link to the event that took place a couple of years ago was a very sad happening.

So tragic ...
but your poem points out the avenue of hope.
Where there is hope - there are dreams to be dreamed.

The traffic light was a good symbol of inspiration - job well done.
Thank you for sharing.
~*Marge*~



~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com

Rainydays
Member
since 2000-10-21
Posts 324

9 posted 2000-10-22 11:34 AM


jonmcm, your poem succeeds in suggesting a return to normalcy and a brighter future and also gives an accurate depiction of the horror of the event.

"The survivors’ statuesque in disbelieving daze."

An important piece of writing. Thank you.

Rainydays


jonmcm
Member
since 2000-10-11
Posts 222
England
10 posted 2000-10-22 05:25 PM


Marge and Rainydays,

Thank you for taking time to read the poem.

'Where there is hope - there are dreams to be dreamed.'

I agree
Jon

Poet deVine
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Hurricane Alley
11 posted 2000-10-22 05:28 PM


This is a wonderful poem. Poets see things differently - someone else may never have noticed the still working traffic light. A good analogy!  
jonmcm
Member
since 2000-10-11
Posts 222
England
12 posted 2000-10-23 05:05 PM


Poet deVine thanks for stopping to read the poem and for your comments.

Regards
Jon

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