Thank you Po, Jane and David for your comments. Yes, David, the photos and final line of the poem (revised) point not only to the terrible destruction imposed by war in Syria but also to the beauty and affection with which the home country is remembered by those fleeing war. As you know, I'm sure, Aleppo, is one of, if not the, longest inhabited city in the world (8000 years) and was renown for the beauty of the old city. Many, if not most, of those who have fled the war in Syria wish to return in the future. If I had the choice between a revitalised and rebuilt Aleppo and a dysfunctional inner-city tower block, I know which I'd choose. Tragically, this particular person in the poem will never have that choice. Po I often try to write as an advocate for the voiceless and if I've managed to accomplish that, even to a small extent, I'm glad. Thank you Jane, I hope that my words have helped direct your thoughts in a useful direction. Wordsworth said that poetry was."emotion recollected in tranquility" and I agree with you David that a period of reflection before writing will often enable a writer to give form to what were in the first place inarticulate emotions: in the case of Alan Kurdi my primary emotions were massive anger and overwhelming sadness. John

Comment is about Body on a beach (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

A sad tale told so beautifully. A thought provoking piece.

Comment is about Body on a beach (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Thank you Kate, Desmond and Jacob. I began thinking about this when the body of 3 year old Alan Kurdi was washed up on a Greek beach in September 2015. I also thought about Heaney's poem about the death of his infant brother 'Mid-term break': "A four foot box, a foot for every year". The death of the little Kurdish boy really moved me and stayed in my mind and heart. So, in this respect, this poem about an anonymous body on a beach is a homage to him. I also wanted to convey that every so-called refugee is an individual with an often complex and tragic back-story. It is a warning to myself to avoid rushing to judge anybody. Anyroadup, I'm glad you liked the poem. John

Comment is about Body on a beach (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

I truly think your rhyme improves in each piece you use it.

Comment is about Body on a beach (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

John, what a way to start the day. This is one of the best pieces I have read. It's curious, touching and humane all at once and reflects what I often think when the news reports a body found somewhere. We are all so much more than the shell. Beautiful work.?

Comment is about Body on a beach (blog)

Original item by John E Marks