I only lived a stone throw away
From the sunken Gardens
Over Babylon way
I only lived a hop and skip away
From the Cradle of Civilization
Down Mosul's way
Just down the road
In Sumeria the birth place of Writing
In Babylon the birth place of Law
Nineveh of Assyria where Christianity
First found a home
All in Iraq, now my war torn home
I haven't seen the spiral minarets
Or the Ziggurats
Or where Babel set
Like those kings of old
I'm stuck behind this Fence
I just hope that I don't die here
Like Alexander the Great.
Even Genghis Khan has seen more than me
Though I have served with the Mongolian Army
I don't think it is quite the same
So when this conflicts over
I will come back to see
All those sites of history
That have eluded me
Author notes
I have missed so much of this country and as a person that loves history it does bug me. However; my safety comes first.
Alexander the Great Died in Al Hillah Iraq, He is beloved in the area and the have statues of him there still.
Genghis Chan conquered Babylon while it was at it prime. Babylon is about 10 miles from Al Hilla where the Mongolian Army was station at Camp Charlie. The is a story there that says the world will end when the Ghengis Chan soldiers return to Babylon. The Mongolian Army was never aloud to go to Babylon. I really enjoyed working with these guys they are such a proud country. We may see Genghis Chan as a murderer but they see him as a hero. One of the reason China and Mongolia still hate each other is becuase they both claim Genghis Chan as a hero. I say the Mongolian Army soldiers where hero's in this war. They kept me alive for the year I was with them at Camp Charlie.
Written August 29th, 2006
In a list
What did you think
Comments
1 - 12 of 12
-
Wow! Thanks so much for the mini history lesson! Mabye one day you can see everything you want
-
I didn't realise that Irag was the dying ground of my favorite conqueror,Alexander the Great. I now remember reading something about that, now that I read this peice. Yes, maybe someday there will be an end to violence in all of the Middle-East. I really hope that one day you can see those wonders. I'm glad I read this though, because I love history, and I'm glad someone is interested in preserving the history of that region.
-
This poem is another testament to the great history of that region, and the frustration that is caused by the constant wars and fighting. Someday we will see peace there, and all the world can then see the great history and art that is hidden by human conflict.
-
Merry meet,
I understand your frustration of not being able to get out and see such a historical treasure. It seems to be the nature of the region that you are in to be in constant strife, regardless of our politics. It is odd how China and Mongolia fight over Khan now and how China fought Khan when he lived. Your rhyme pattern is on the simple side (my rhyme is even worse than simple, it's simply awful
) . There are some writers here that write rhyme really well, you could talk with one of them and get some tips. Over all a really good poem with lots of good content, enough to make this Historian happy. 
Amythest -
I hope you can. That is one thing that bugs me. Many nations have grown to hate us do to "politics" and unfortunately many will, tho not all, continue to after the conflicts are over.
I hoped to someday travel the entire world when I retire but I now fear there will be many places where I am unwelcomed and dangerous, simply because I am...an American.
I have also enjoyed history and other cultures so I liked this write very much...
-Eddy
I would like to see the history teaches do a "complete" timeline
of every country, including why each dislikes the other. Maybe when we saw how petty some of our reasons were we could change
and bring about a global understanding. A condensed version would be nice for I have a feeling if they did it would turn in to a mulitple encyclopedia set to make more money from it. -
Once again a great poem. You have such a talent for words. I love reading your stuff. This is awesome, you have history and sentiment. The introduction or authors notes very much clarifies what you are trying to say. I like it. Keep writing and I'll keep reading. Please go through my poetry and make comments. I believe I could learn alot from you.
-
such writing you have you are quickly becoming a favorite of mine infact I'll add you to my list now...I enjoy reading all your writes very talented indeed...
-
I agree that it is a nice piece, and you told a good story, but I found it to be a bit sing songy, for example
see more than me
Mongolian army
I do, however, love the author's notes which clear any questions up the reader may have. -
such a wonderful tribute to a war torn country. your words tell stories very well, ly Allie.
-
charlie i'm sure Iraq was once VERY PRETTY COUNTRY BUT LIKE SO MANY OTHERS ITS NOW TORN BY WAR WHAT A SHAME LOVELY WRITE KEEP SAFE ALWAYS MARY
-
Charlie this is a great piece, I particularly enjoyed the references to Genghis Khan and Alexander The Great. i think we forget that this area truly was the cradle of civilization. Stay safe Charlie, I hope you get to see it all! bunny
-
Wonderfully Enlighting
Charlie this is a wonderful write, I am glad you put you safety first. Maybe there will be a time when peace once again finds its way to Iraq you can go to visit all those things you long to see. Thanks for bringing some of Iraq'a history to us here. As I myself love history of any type. I remember reading of Nineveh in the Bible, but now I have learned if its location. Thanks again for a wonderful lesson. Best of luck in the contest.
Adding your comment:
1 - 12 of 12
7 old applause
