February 2009

Blackest night, I lay on the floor sleeping
The calm of darkness comforting my soul
For the wedding has ended; guests have left
Stars keep watch over the dusty compound.

(Flush these insurgents out!)

A light burst forth - angry cacophony!
The barking of dogs and braying of men
Shattered wooden doors all over the floor
I wake up and feel the fear in my heart.

(Damn, get that one! Shoot him!)

I grab my gun, not knowing who these were.
Whining, piercing bullets fly towards me
Returning fire I press the trigger
This scene, a whirl of unruly madness.

(I repeat, stand down now!)

I hear screaming coming from the women.
Blood spilled on their clothes and tears on their cheeks.
Then an unexplainable sight caught me,
My daughter, lying lifeless on the ground.

How can I think about her death tonight?
A few hours ago, she was laughing.
My angel was taken away from me,
By an honourable, warrior culture.