Comment from adewpearl

Excellent

excellent use of enjambment to keep thought flowing from line to line
good alliteration in care/cry
and in first/fool
and in gleeful...grasp
strong social commentary
Brooke

 Comment Written 25-Jan-2015

---

reply by the author on 26-Jan-2015

Well when I wrote this poem, I didn't realize it was a slap in the face of the poet who I included in the notes because I later remembered he was all for the Arab Spring thinking that was best for everybody. He is a FB friend in Malaysia, but I believe he is actually of Japanese origin.

Shortly before that occurred I felt that the entire region was heading in the wrong direction and with Pakistan and Afghanistan wrote their leaders, not exactly diplomatic as I started the Emails off with, "Are you F-ing crazy?" I also wrote Iraq's leader and told them with what they are doing, they are making a mistake.

I tried to tell all that for the sake of their countries, they have to fight for the citizens and have to set the moral tones about what Islam is all about, and what it can't afford, be that the country or religion. I tried to introduce them to the concept of stepping forward and being the world's forefathers on this.

I also wrote Israel's PM and not only told him that, but suggested he could act as the world's George Washington. I think all I did was scare the crap out of everybody. I even penned those sentiments in the poem, When Towers Fall." Then the Arab Spring came along and I just had the worst feeling in the world, then knew it was all over with what the leaders in this country was trying to propagate.

Ironically Israel's PM has become that, but his speeches and interviews are not covered by our media who seems to want to appoint Islamic spokespeople that only further enslave their people. Other countries that refuse to tolerate this or got the SOBs out of their midst, are much better off, but until this happens worldwide, they will be fighting for a long time.

It sort of knocked the poetry from me and I have been writing, but more or less on world events, political commentary (really against both side as they are actually about the same), as well social issues. Pretty much a thankless proposition, but someone has to have the guts and try.

I thank you very much for this review. I have been away from FS for way too long, Mike

Comment from Jean Lutz

Excellent

Stark reality captured in words. While others party and pretend the wise see the storm clouds ahead. It is great to see a post from you even if it is a solemn one.

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2015

---

reply by the author on 24-Jan-2015

It's a shame that so many people don't have the capacity to get it. I thank you for your compliments and review. Mike

Comment from gypsymoth

Excellent

Sad when life becomes so futile that we attempt to
change it by any means, even war. I don't think it's the
fools who risk their lives for change. You can call them dreamers or call them heroes, but not fools.

Gypsymoth

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2015

---

reply by the author on 24-Jan-2015

Thank you for this review and the good point you made. Mike

Comment from dmt1967

Excellent

This is a potent poem. The way you wrote it left me thinking about the power writers have on the people who read their work. I enjoyed reading it and loved your take on it. Thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2015

---

reply by the author on 23-Jan-2015

I thank you very much for your compliments and this review. Mike

Comment from IndianaIrish

Excellent

I like your poem, Mike. It's powerful and the message is strong. One little change started by many can keep hope and dreams alive.
Smiles,
Karyn :-)

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2015

---

reply by the author on 23-Jan-2015

I felt so, but I felt what needed to happen was the leaders in the countries that were bargaining with them, needed to take a moral stand and it just dropped my jaws to what happened next. Ironically those countries that do take moral stands still have peace, but are always under threat.

I thank you very much for your compliments and this review, Mike

Comment from Walu Feral

Excellent

G'day Mike. This is a powerful little piece mate. I like the desriptions you used to convey your message. We can only live in hope my friend in these troubled times. Cheers Fez

 Comment Written 22-Jan-2015

---

reply by the author on 23-Jan-2015

I fear it is more a matter of common sense then hope. I appreciate the compliments and thank you for reviewing this G'day! Mike

Comment from skye

Excellent

All change begins with someone who cares enough to try and change the world. Revolutionaries have a vision of what could be better.
Your poem is filled with sadness, but one should never give up on a dream.
Excellent.

 Comment Written 22-Jan-2015

---

reply by the author on 23-Jan-2015

I had many a many argument with those that didn't understand things. Helps keep up writing skills though. I thank you very much for your compliments and this review. Mike

Comment from Travis64

Excellent

A short but simple write that conveys a great message! I enjoyed the images here and how they add life to the poem. Well done!

~Travis64

 Comment Written 22-Jan-2015

---

reply by the author on 23-Jan-2015

Thank you very much for this flattering review. Things came to me like a bolt of lightening. Mike