An Iraqi Mother Speaks Poem by Francis Duggan

As people we did suffer under Saddam Hussein
And our so called allies overthrew him and he was hung yet what has been our gain?
They promised us peace and freedom and they only gave us pain
And long after they have left our shores death and suffering with us will remain.

Our people more divided than they have ever been before
And always one more bombing to settle one more score
My son my beautiful son with the Iraqi dead
He died a car bomb victim with a huge hole in his head.

Walking to work in the morning his life from him snatched away
My son he was a good man he is with Allah today
He leaves a wife and young son and daughter for them a tragic loss
What have we done to others to be burdened with such a cross?

They promised us peace and freedom and them we did believe
And us Iraqi mothers for our dead children grieve
The murdering, maiming and suffering it will go on for years
Instead of peace and freedom they gave us death and tears.

They talk of their war on terror they who brought terror to here
Of suicide and car bombers we only live in fear
'Tis said that up to one hundred of our people due to terrorism are dying every day
For peace and enduring freedom is this the price we pay?

He did not live to see his children grow and to grow old and gray
My son my beautiful son with the dead forever lay
What have we done to others that such bad karma we receive?
They promised us peace and freedom and them we did believe.