Iraqi baby

BY ROSEMARY EVANS

Wait for me mummy, wait for me!
All is so dark, I can hardly see.
Where are you taking us, mother, mother?
Why are you carrying my little brother?
Why are we running in the dark and cold?
Mummy, give me your hand to hold.
Why are we fighting? Why is there war?
Tell me what we are fighting for!
Why all these flashing lights and noise?
Mummy, let's go back for my toys.
Won't anyone help us? Where's Daddy gone?
Why has he left us so long alone?
Who are these strangers hurrying by?
Mummy, I'm trying not to cry.
But I'm tired and hungry and full of fear.
Please let us rest a little here.

Something hurts mummy — blood on my knee!
I've been shot mummy — don't wait for me.

From GLW issue 679