Iran 1980

Forgotten martyrs of war
crushed under repeated strikes
lay frozen behind the photo
of Iran 1980...

Behind the Iranian emblem
of Khorramshahr
carnivorous tanks
like a spitting cobra
shoot out venom to
mark the doom of another empire.

Evolution paused by a bullet rain
unleashes the midnight shiver
to crawl, brawl and ruin
genders without discrimination.

The meaning of celebration
was occasional smiles
featuring burnt teeth
exposing blackened tongue
which can no more crack jokes
but scream
in rivalry with roaring fires.

A rough picture caves in history
like scavengers eating inside the motionless
backdrop of a vain triumph.

*Khorramshahr: City in Iran