Relative Calm in Iraq Ends as Attacks Take 16 Lives
A wave of attacks in Baghdad and areas north of the capital Sunday shattered a relative lull in violence, killing 16 people and injuring 15 a day after Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki declared that Iraq's government had defeated terrorism.
Trembling red leaves are your only cover.
These, your bodies, thrown like dice
And tumbling apart over the arid soil,
Piercing a recent calm of cunning beasts;
Liars, hunkered down and scheming.
One cannot defeat what it knowingly breeds
When in the blood-soaked bed of her devotion;
Blending colors of such a miserable kingdom.
Fear can only be conquered when truth returns
As bright and gentle as a breathing child.
© 2008 mrp/tpm
