004: Simmering Cauldrons Poem by Colin Johnston

Gritty, down to earth concerns well expressed Colin - and with wit! Read the other six as well. Funny, sad, entertaining and straight to the point. Thanks, jim

I am from Iran. I know what you say. We could talk about it if you want to. Thank you for reading my poems. I am reading yours too one by one. So far I liked this one.

Great depth of feeling expressed here, tempered by compassion. Excellent write indeed. Kind wishes, Sandra

Written by a man who sees and cares. I echo Sandra's sentiments and shes right it is an excellent write. Bob

i like this one ALOT. its my new favorite. -BoB

Of capture, torture or far worse Execution on TV. Beheaded there for all to see Yes painful memories. I had a male student about 12 years old, constantly playing his cell phone download of a western prisoner being held down, while his head was being cut off with a knife. Blood suddenly pouring everywhere. Sickening. The executioner shouting 'Allahu Akbar' God is Great. This is really a terrible sin in Islam. To murder the defenseless in God's name. The hate fear it generates does not serve Allah/God and such acts are not from Allah/God. It is Satanic, the torture revenge inflicted upon any people, by any nation ethnic group or religion in such appalling ways, is not from God. All are protected by the Geneva Conventions and must be accorded their rights accordingly. Christianity during the Spanish Inquisition and across centuries, has been just as guilty, during times of ignorant persecution in a Christian God's name. God hated this blood being shed in his name then as now. This is Islam's Dark Ages. However most Islamic people are kind and generous. I have over 10 years experience teaching in Islamic countries, true believers are worthy of respect and admiration. Those who truly believe in God, from all nations and religions, will pray for peace.

I have to say this poem hit home as I read it as only yesterday on the evening news we heard about the murder of an Iraq family by US soldiers and how they raped and murdered the daughter of the family, she was only 14 years old, a child. I couldn't sleep last night and now this will haunt me for a time. I cannot get things like this out of my head...it's more than sickening....it's so dreadful! What a horrendous thing to do and what of the things we don't hear about? I dread to think! Ruth

in the sleeping state our minds are wide open. This strukes a chord with me I often wake with an almost complete poem dancing in my head demanding to be written down in black and white. Fundamentalists of whatever creed are attempting the impossible to stop time in its tracks and go back to an earlier golden age which never existed

A sad poem of the madness of our times, great poem more should be written like this--who is the enemy - when will they strike - Calibans on the loose! regards Col and thanks

So many sad things go on in the world, too sad to imagine. If only people could be loving and caring what a wonderful world it would be! Best Wishes, Marilyun