PRAGOTI

I Am a Mute Iraqi, With a Voice

I am an Iraqi

but was never asked, personally,

what was better?

Saddam threatening to destroy me if I crossed him, politically?

Or tons of deleted uranium, napalm,

bullets, explosives

and other unfamiliar concoctions,

besieging me

at some hidden corner of my street?



I am an Iraqi,

but was never asked, personally,

what I wanted?

Freedom to vote for men and women I know little about,

who may or may not better my life,

or to safely be able to step out of my house?



I am an Iraqi,

but was never asked, do I want democracy

or the tradition of my ancestry?



I am an Iraqi,

but was never asked, personally,

by those who've come to rescue me,

have we really benefited you, my dear,

since the day we came near?

Or have we simply made a mess

of your little hut?