Jill was taken hostage on January seventh
In the war torn country of Iraq
Twenty-eight years old
In the journalism fold
She was now a hostage and that was that
Jill speaks Arabic and loves the people
Of the country she's reporting from
For three months long
It had gone wrong
But Jill is anything but dumb
There to tell the truth of the war
This is what she was there living for
She treats her captors with respect
To their food does not object
For that long remained strong to her core
Three months gone by; when she'd cry
She buried her head in her abaya to muffle the sound
With great courage and great strength
Knew what to do and how to think
Had no idea her case had become renowned
At the three month mark Jill was released
Finally now captivity had ceased
Respect for her had grown with captors, too
Releasing her was the thing to do
Jill came out with knowledge of Iraq increased
She calls home to her family in the states
They are so relieved for all their sakes
She meets and greets her reporter friends
Freedom again for Carroll begins
Because Jill Carroll helped create her own breaks
Her captors had treated her well because she cares
She was there for the truth to share
Strong and brave
Her life saved
Because her captors knew she would be fair
Jill will tell all sides of the story well
Misconceptions she will help dispel
The Christian Science Monitor
Must be very proud of her
We await the first hand story she has to tell
--Ellis
Author notes
Written March 31st, 2006
In a list
What did you think
Comments
1 - 37 of 37
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I like the message that the poem gives, and you get the feeling that there's a sincerity behind it, but unfortunately this occasionally marred by the lazy rhyme scheme, especially in the last stanza with "well/dispel" and the painful "monitor/proud of her"
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ahh. i won't leave such a long comment as the rest, as things so disheartening generally request few words. you've done a terrific justice here. a wonderful piece, for a wonderful person i'm certain.
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Wow. Has this country changed its view on Iraq, or what. Some interesting comments here.. Loved this poem's message. I was also profoundly relieved when I heard of Jill Carroll's release. As an American Muslim, I often find the Christian Science Monitor a lone voice calling for education and knowledge, rather than corporate media tidbits, so her kidnapping was really sad and frustrating.
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As a journalist (in one aspect of my writing career), I have, over the years, taken part in many vigils, prayer-services and campaigns for kidnapped and imprisoned colleagues - and have myself had to sign the usual "release" form, absolving the troubled country in which I was working from any responsibility should I be kidnapped/raped/injured/killed by militants opposed to the current regime. One simply has to accept that it is a risk that goes with the job; no more and no less than that of dying in an aircrash - or for that matter, while crossing the road - to an assignment. One has to focus on the thought that, with luck, one will not oneself be kidnapped... and if one is... well, with luck one will be released with a splendid story to tell, and if one is not... well, one is assured of extensive obituaries and one's next of kin will star at a full-scale memorial service at St Bride's, Fleet St (or whatever the equivalent in other countries is!)
In fact, so far, I have never been kidnapped, the worst that has happened to me is two arrests - the second of which ended in deportation and a five year ban from the country concerned (in fact, after three years they were begging me to return... and after a further six months, when it suited me, I agreed to do so!) But since arrest by the arbitrary rulers of a country where there is no rule of law is somewhat similar to kidnap, I can perhaps say that many of the points raised in the above comments that may seem to conflict with each other seem to me simultaneously true... Firstly, that all journalists DO tend to be naive at first and think they can beat the odds... secondly, that it IS alarming - particularly not knowing what will happen next minute - and that (humanly speaking) one is on one's own, and whatever higher Power one believes in suddenly seems a very long way away... thirdly that, there IS a tendency to cosy-up to whoever is holding one (and one has to decide whether one will give into it or resist - it is good to have thought this through in advance), and, fourth, yes, journalists WILL risk a great deal to get a story if they think it something that should be reported. And, finally, and most important - that even those who may seem to break under pressure and/or the "Stockholm effect" are worthy of respect, and their courage should not called into question by those who have never been in a like situations.
And NB - how splendid to see a poet writing about some contemporary event in an outgoing and positive manner!
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all this is so true, but she is free now and doing well. she had nothing bad to say about the whole thing. all she wants now is be with her loving family. this is one very nice poem, you seem to have such a kind heart, thanks for writing this beautiful and touching poem. great job. see what many prayers can do? they can bring somebody home.
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This is the first poem I have seen about this topic. Kidnappings over there are all too common now, and I think people are almost becomming desensitized to the topic. Thank you for bringing the topic to light and I am glad that she will be fair and tell the truth about both sides of the story, that is very brave and shows strength of character on her behalf. It reminds me of a similar story about an aussie journalist. It was all over the news here for months till he was realeased, he was very fair too and told both sides of the story. How frightening it must have been!
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We will all wait and see what she has to say about her experiences. What reporters won't do for a story-go into a war zone. Well written - much said well in poetic form.
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Absolutely wonderful!
Wow. This is simply amazing. My dad was in Iraq for a year and he was a soldier. I don't know much about what he experienced there, but I do know that it was no picnic. I really love this. It is a wonderful tribute to a truly wonderful person. However, I would like to tell the idiot who made that stupid comment to just shut up. There are a lot of things that they don't know about when it comes to this war and everything else. It is simply immature and rude to make a comment like that and not even think twice about it....how rude! Anyway, I wanted you to know that this is absolutely wonderful. I loved every part of it. -
This is a very wonderful tribute to Jill and to tell of her bravery and her earned respect of her captors. Wonderful write. Very sincere in your words. Thank you for sharing this!
Susan
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Another comment.
I think from reading your poetry that you are a good person. Well I say that let us hope that this young woman who was naive about the ways of the world is on her way back home. According to her father she had to say what she did because of her fear and that is understandable. It is called the Stockholm effect. So I will for now give her the benefit of the doubt. -
I don't know if you heard but she is free now and calims they never hit her, never even dared to.
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I was thrilled to hear of her release. Praise God !! Good write Ellis.. I too wait to hear what she has to say. Love and hugs, Debby
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i love the world of journalism, the intensity of every reporter to get the first, best story. jill truly made an incredible sacrifice to step into the frontlines to get the nitty-gritty, if you'll allow, of the story. it's important to get both sides as it is extremely obvious how much yellow journalism and propaganda is infused with the print media even today.
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I am a journalist and have great respect for the passion Jill demonstrated
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Great
Well, what a truly challenging tale to tell. You told this story well and made the reader feel for the subject matter at hand. I am glad she was released as I am sure it must have been extremely trying for her. You have done a wonderful job with a very difficult and controversal subject. Bravo and god bless.
Cheers,
Mike -
Graphically conveys the message
Brilliantly perceptive Ellis and so well rhymed, written and perceived. I apologise for clicking but it was an accident as I hovered over your poem as I was going to do what you had done for me the other day to save points.
I like this sincere dedication and tha fact you are the first one I have seen from your country do such a thinginstead of it jst being another bit of news of another captive. You do your countrymen (and women) proud and I am amazed I see so little of it over there, but of course, we only know what we are fed anyway. Great work mate, well done. -
Riiiiight.....y'know, I'm just gonna be me and say that I don't respect that woman. What did she do exactly? She went to a warzone, like a f*ckin' idiot. Then got kidnapped, which frankly is unsurprising. And okay, I give her props for going out to experience all that jazz. But seriously, "LETS GO TO THE WAR ZONE!!! IT'LL BE FUN!!!" Stupid.....
Oh yeah and she's ugly...Am I the only one who thinks this chick looks like David Cross, the comedian?
Edited on Mar 31, 7:52 p.m. because 'To offend yu even more'. -
Great
Great piece. Well done and an important issue that was shared. -
Does anyone on here ever comment on poems anymore?? Or is this a political forum or a place to beat each other up, or failing that say "that's a great poem" good or bad.
I liked the poem and I am not going to comment on the politics. -
But in all truth I am really pleased that Jill is safe. But that fiasco going on over there is just bologne. We should be educating and feeding our own poor, not creating poverty and war abroad. I liked your Bush poem, by the way. And your poem about Jill is really good also. there's a couple grammar iffies, but the overall message is just awesome.
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as usual EXCELLENT write
Ok my good grief. Again my friend Ellis, I came and read and want to comment on your write, but yet again a controversy has bestowed upon us. LOl Stand strong in faith for He is the Power and The Glory forever, the Lord has His reasons we may not understand but one day we will. If it where not for Him that poor girl may have been taken completely from her family, but was HER strong BELIEF that kept her safe. I see Gods hands resting on her as she dealt with one of the worst things she had to. No I dont understand this war stuff or beleive much into it. But I have faith that God knows what to do and handles it the way He sees fit not my friend for you and truly I respect everyone and love everyone and feel great walking with MY SAVIOR. You dont have to accept it by all means.. Im not responsible for what you say or do , but am responsible to walk in HIS faith and Stand beside my brothers and sisters, Christians or not. But I do feel, you have been totally out of line and disrespected Ellis, If you dont beleive thats your way thats cool but dont disrespect Ellis or anyone else for that matter, read something else, see its about OUR SAVIOR we're happy and Blessed to follow Him, you dont have to read it, for that matter comment on it. Ims are more your place to go for such crazy talk. Comments are for focusing on the works of our fellow poets. God Bless You Horus8 mwah with much love...Now Ellis my friend I am sooooo sorry for this if you never speak to me again I understand, his words broke my heart. As usual this write is EXCEPTIONAL!!! totally overcoming with emotion and happiness of her freedom. I thank God she was released and set free from her captors, to continue doing her work and Gods work. MAy God Bless You Ellis.
Your freind in Christ,
Victoria -
Tell it like it is, Ellis!
I was also GLAD to hear of her release and prayed for her to be spared of the fate too many other hostages have had to face up until thier cruel executions and beheadings. A fine poem about a woman who nearly gave everything including her life to do what she loves and to shine a light on the truth of what is happening in a war that I'm afraid no one will ever win. A fine piece and tribute to a simple woman with a heart and soul of gold!
Peace & love!
Earl. -
Just another comment.
I resent my nephews being called poor white trash. Maybe they are not rich but trash I don't think so. Okay each person has their opinion. But really that should be in a im and not here on the comments. Show courtesy and respect if even you do disagree. Okay enough is enough. -
A nice sentiment.
Well Ellis I must say that I am glad that she was released. I even had prayer for her but I must go with what your first commentator said and there is a reason. I have my own faith and religous beliefs but still this smells of a hoax. Reason why, I can't say right now but now that she is out, she should go home and stay there. I can't say that I approve of what Horus said but more than one person is suspicious. It is a nice sentiment though. -
jill rocks
Edited on Mar 31, 7:24 p.m. because ''. -
simple and informative write about a womans courage and ingenuity...hmmmmmmm... LOL... No seriously...Jill Carrol is a hero to many women.. and deservedly so... nice tribute...peace..shzoosy
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You pay attention to the happenings of this world...and comment on it. I used to do this
...but I have a kind of short fuse with our govt. at times, Ellis. Thank you...this is very eloquent
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The Christian Science Monitor is a conservative farce, and so is killing women and children in the guise of fighting terrorism. When really this is about money, fossil fuel and killing in the name of god and religion. How perfectly Christian, how wonderfully Muslim, how piously Jewish. Just think, if there were no jews, muslims and christians killing eachother all of the time in the name of god? The rest of us could enjoy life.
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THis is good. I love how u can take somthing that happened in other peoples life and make somthing so amazing out of it. You put alot of soul in this work. I loved it. I really like the flow. Keep up the good work my friend.
Love Aways
Diamond
Ps...never give up....life is to small keep going.. -
We still live in a world of mircles
well done and thank you for sharing
FrozentEars -
I am so glad she was released. Saw it in my newspaper this morning. Anybody so good as she..well...my heart is happy for her and I am anxious to see what she will say, too! A fine poem!
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well, i do not know i just thought the whole thing was a little fishy to me. i think just of her manner alone on the tapes to her maner on release. oh well that is me. however to the write it is lovely.
love the papa -
That was a very nice tribute. Many were touched by what she went through and much relieved when she was released. What a nice idea to write a poem about her experience.
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Awesome write.
I don't watch much of the news as it is usually overrated and depressing, but I have been aware of her situation and heard of her release.
This is a wonderful tribute to her and I'm sure she would be honored by it.
Great job
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Ellis, this is just beautiful as always...the rhyming was flawless...i just love the way you rhyme...more like the old fashioned way....great piece...great story too...i absolutely love this...you are THE real poet!!!great!!
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I am so very proud of Jill, because of all of the strength that she has in her body and mind to be able to go through the 3 months of captivity. Very good poem. I would like to hear her story, but oh well, very strong emotion put through this poem expressing the respect that you have for her. Kepp writing!!
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I am so proud of Jill Carroll. I respect her with all my heart. I would love to hear her frist hand story than the one that who always report false inform. Great write Grandpa Ellis
wish you the best
snow
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