On The Move, Again

Historically, human communities

were tribal, exclusive, bellicose 

and on the move in the jungles

of Africa and in the deserts of Arabia.

Seeking the advantage that would

allow them to persevere and endure

in the worlds of scarcity, they sought

to preserve themselves obeying the

primeval imperatives of existence.

How times have changed; their

geography plumbed now for rare

and sought-after mineral resources, 

and gushers of petrofuels enriching

their modern-day states. Plenty for all

to share.  Human nature has not

changed, malign tribal forces

exact their due in violent division.

Great masses of humanity continue

their migratory journeys fleeing

persecution, oppression, wars,

religious intolerance.  Mostly Muslims

make these pilgrimages of wild

desperation now, women and children

fleeing rape and slavery, men evading

slaughter, their righteous assassins

in hot, suicidal pursuit of martyrdom.

Iraqis streaming into Jordan and Syria

for haven.  Syrians fleeing in terror

to Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan.

Malians leaving ancient Timbuktu,

just as Syrians flee equally ancient

Damascus.  Libyans to Italy for succour,

and Somalis and Yemenites, Tunisians

and Egyptians, Iranians and Afghans in

full flight from their brethren.

During these most holy of crescent

moon-sighted days of quiet repose,

prayers, remorse and forgiveness,

the need to fast from sun up to sun

down presents few challenges to those

who have left possessions and food 

behind them during yet another series 

of jihad inspired soul-searching

found desperately, horribly wanting.