Jill Carroll back home with mother,
Mary Beth Carroll (right), and
twin sister, Katie Carroll (center)
Flying back home over the Atlantic
After being for three month's in a real panic
Former hostage Jill Carroll didn't know what to say
When she saw the red rose placed on her lunch tray
According to a U.S. News and World Report survey
Eighty-three percent who responded wanted to say
Jill was lucky, with the most calling her hero
Those thinking it suspicious, seventeen percent above zero
Jill was not lucky; she was very smart
She wanted to live and from captors depart
She conformed to requests, when free revealed the rest
Which she could not have done dead instead of just stressed
"Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words..."
Jill borrowed words as if on loan, as she preferred
To go on living with her head in place
To keep contributing understanding to the whole human race
"Release Jill Carroll" banners had flown in Rome
Also in Paris and some here near her home
Those who are thoughtful well understand
A life is worth more than one's non-living land
Also those prejudiced against all Muslims
Notice how Muslim leaders came to her defense
This happened both in the U.S. and Iraq
Muslims working hard to get Jill Carroll back
Most Muslims are good, just a few who are bad
Don't blame that religion where they, too, are sad
To see the behavior of the kidnappers and crooks
And just as most do, they pray to close their books
Prayers were answered and Jill was smart
And got back home to the land of Wal-Mart
Together with her family safe and sound
And a successful reporter now of world renown
--Ellis
Author notes
Written April 5th, 2006
In a list
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1 - 11 of 11
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uhm...guys..when did this become a political forum... I think people are now reading the dialogue between the two of you.. instead of focusing on the poetry.... which told a story... that is true... and i agree on the 'forced ryhme' comment made by elfin...peace...shzoosy
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I too enjoy reading this back and forth banter, two opposite sides explaining their positions. This is good - not sure if this is like an election or not, where we have to vote for one side or the other, but I did enjoy reading the poem. You have much more about this situation in US than in Canada, but we do have a bit of information, and this makes one think even more about the situation and the possible future results. Thanks for the information.
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Overall, I liked the poem. It felt forced in a few places, but that's is the lovely thing about All Poetry...you can come back later with fresh eyes and work on your piece. You always have the opportunity to make your work better. I'm not a very politically aware person, so I can't take part in the debate. Much love to you and yours,
Nicole
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although it's written of a topical issue and with the mindset of most Americans, the Jill Carroll story will probably wash off the news by this weekend to re-appear again once she signs a book deal. Maybe I'm just too cynical, but I am glad she's home and home safely. The fact she was released relatively unharmed does speak of some decency in the world...
I'm glad you had expanded this poem to not speak poorly of anyone in generalized terms...it just seems so much of the news and poetry on such issues seems to go that way lately. thanks, Ellis!
Jo -
I'm just having fun reading all these comments. A debate going on right here at allpoetry!
Anyway, your poem. There were some very forced parts if you ask me. Atlantic and panic. I dunno..I just think there could have been more...
Don't get discouraged though. Keep writing and keep sharing. Take care. =) -
Mark Rickerby,
What this does is fan hatred, which is NEVER a good thing. Hate is the opposite of love. This world needs more love, not more hatred. What you are doing is fanning hatred.
--Ellis -
Whether I agree or disagree with you Mark Rickerby, this is not the place for propaganda. We should be here to critique Ellis,s poem and nothing else.
Now then Ellis, your poem to me sounded like a news bulletin put to rhyme, which however sounded forced in lots of places. I'm sorry that I don't have a better critique for you and after all this is only my point of view. Keep the ink flowing, Val.
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jill carroll was an idiot for being over there..
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Very Good
It is an interesting way to view this situatuon. She is very smart and did what was necessary to survie a horrible situation. Religion is not to blame, it is those who use it as a weapon that are the true demons. Christian, Bhuddist, Muslim or Hindu we live in this world together! -
thanks for sharing your piece.
blessed
ICUlooking -
I liked this piece, very uplifting, a tribute to Jill Carroll's safe return home. Some of the rhymes seemed a bit forced, but the poem was good on the whole. Refreshing to read of some good news instead of bad, I enjoyed this one, muchas amor ,Amanda
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