Lost on Bastille Day

‘Let them eat heads
and suck sockets dry
before they answer “Why”‘.

I’ve lost my count of children

– the adults never counted –

lost to the flags of war.

It’s said that ten valuable ones

were crushed on Thursday night

promenading where the English played.

Others say Fallujah girls and boys

were incinerated over falafels

and their fathers cried for ever.

If there are any grandchildren awaiting birth

they’ll be primed like birds of prey

to strike without warning.

Will you count the loss for us?

Published by

Paul O'Mahony

I'm Paul O'Mahony (Poet). On Twitter you can reach me @Omaniblog A father. I work as business storytelling consultant - Podcaster - Blogger - Live streamer via Periscope - Foodie - I love to connect with people. . Live in Glanmire, Cork Ireland Europe linkedin.com/in/paulhomahony View all posts by Paul O'Mahony

3 thoughts on “Lost on Bastille Day”

Pleasant Street says:

July 19, 2016 at 1:14 pm

I have difficulty talking about these things and putting them into words, so I truly appreciate this. So much loss, so many children that are just becoming numbers.

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multinetsystems says:

July 19, 2016 at 12:22 am

Very well written Paul, powerful and concise. I’m loving your quotations on left too. My favourites are actually yours and Mary Oliver’s.

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1. Paul O'Mahony says:
  
  July 19, 2016 at 10:17 am
  
  Oh thank you very much Multinetsystems. It’s very encouraging to get your feedback. (As you can imagine I get little here)
  Mary Oliver is my favourite living poet. I’m chuffed you like my little quote – that means a lot to me 😊
  
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