Battle Lines
A tyrant with satanic powers
Hiding weapons of mass destruction -
The opening line.
Earnest inspectors start their quest
For microbes, missiles, gas
"We need more time" is their line.
This doesn't suit the angry leader
Hungry to avenge the loss
Of twin temples from his skyline.
Troops prepare for desert war
Gathering line upon line
For transport to the sands of Ur.
The cameras roll, the race is on
Metal and men pour across
The starting line.
"Red line round Baghdad"
"Supply lines insecure"
Shout the headlines.
A hospital bed
A child without legs -
The bottom line.
Chrissie Williams, April 2003
Third prize, Chiltern Writers Poetry Competition 2003