Some Say Life Is But A Stage On Which We All Play A Game Filled With Laughter And Tears And Little Surprises Along The Way We Seek And Hopefully We May Find What We Are Looking For On This Worldly Place We Call Home A Mission That Was Given To Us And To Us Alone
You Saw The Light That Shone Upon You The Soul Within You Called For Excellency On A Difficult Journey You Traveled To Accomplish Tasks Few Dare To Dream Of Because Of Your Bravery The Truth Is Revealed Through Your Eyes The World Sees Cruelty Where Needless Bloodshed Covered Smiles Of Innocent Children Where Killings Are Carried Out In Names Of National Honor And Faith The God We Know Must Be Blinded For No Justification Could Be Made For Destruction On Such Massive Scale To A Land Where Peace Is But A Word Remembered Only In The Hearts Of Those Who Dare To Dream
You Sacrificed Your Life In The Achievement Of Excellency Though You Left This Earthly Home Of Ours Your Spirit Will Shine On Like A Bright Light Through Darkness In The Hearts Of Those You Encountered And Those Who Silently Admire Your Dedication And Courage Like A Warm Sun From Afar
By Midori Chan in honour of Mika Yamamoto (1967–2012)
By now Syria has degraded to a conflict in which inhumane acts are being committed by both sides, often with impunity.
Sadly most of these war crimes will go unpunished as it is the case always; some of those on the side that loses will face justice of some sorts although acts of revenge prevail.
The side that wins will be polished up as the ‘good’.
The personal challenge for all of us is to not be fooled by this – it is the least we can do for the countless victims for whom justice will never be achieved ... and for the brave journalists reporting these acts.
Midori Chan has the powerful talent to blend her magical digital art with words.
Sometimes short poems, almost accidental like Mike Shaw's:
Other times longer narratives, stories of her experiences, most of these uplifting encounters with the positive side of humanity.
When I read of the death of Mika Yamamoto, a Japanese national, my immediate thought was of Midori Chan, that perhaps like Claudine de Fey she too could do poetic justice for her compatriot.
This poem is longer, a departure from the shorter poetic style of Midori Chan, but appropriate.