Headline Poem 2/17/14 -- son of the desert

(Photo credit ABC News)

4-year-old Marwan, pictured above, was found alone in the desert by UN after being separated from his parents while fleeing Syria. He was later reunited with his family.

son of the desert

walking because 

instincts say to keep moving

barely able to fend for himself, 

his legs just go

no one to persuade 

with tantrums and selfish requests

he carries his belongings 

in his bag

a warrior, 

an eagle on a dusty road

he will die alone, 

thirsty and hungry 

at best

a victim turned victor, 

he is found

lost enough, 

all he needs now

is a hug, 

and for someone 

to tenderly wash his face

reunited, but still displaced

son of the desert, 

he will march on

Headline Poem 1/19/14 -- Syria

(Photo credit focusonsyria.com)

Syria is a place I have never visited. My grandfather's father was from there. It seems every day I read of more lives lost in this war-torn place. Today, the headline that caught my eye is Iran being invited to attend the Syrian peace conference. Hopefully, there can be peace there soon. Makes me wonder if I'll ever be able to visit the far off places my family members once called home... time will tell. 

Syria

Abandoned Aleppo

Name changed 

American soil becomes home
Left before his own blood could stain the walls red

Different women cook old recipes

Liquor smooth and wet, 

they adjust 

Belly laughs pierce new rooms
While he wonders if future great-great grandchildren will ever return 

to the place he left 
before he knew them