YES, WE ARE AT WAR
A poem by Shahid Athar M.D.

Consultations have been made
The verdict  has been passed
Guilty as charged
The President has spoken
"We are at war - make no mistakes"

War drums beating, soldiers marching
War planes flying, war ships sailing
Battle tanks moving, cannons roaring
Mothers crying but children asking
Who are we fighting?

Who is the enemy?
Where is the enemy?
Is he in the mountains?
"Let us go - get him"
Or is he in our hearts?

Is this a war between
Those who blow up planes?
Bring down the tall buildings
And kill civilians and children

Or is this a war against
Those who keep their heads up
Spirit high and resolve strong
And keep the dreams alive
Those who give love not hate?

Is this a war between 
Those who destroy offices
Beautiful families and homes
Mosques, synagogues and churches
And flower gardens too?

Or is this a war against those 
Who tie bonds of friendship and love
Among neighbors and faith communities 
Then pray for peace
To the lonely and sad God?

Is this a war between 
Those who call all Muslims terrorists
Then terrorize them with 
Their tongues, pens and hands
To make them feel low?

Or is this a war against those 
Who "love thy neighbor"
Respect Islam and Muslims
Treat them as their own
Defend and protect them?

Is this a war between those
Who call themselves Christians
And those who ARE Christians
Who call them selves Muslims
And those who ARE Muslims?

Between Good and Evil, Love and Hate
The war is on - choose your side
Choose our enemy - choose your friend
I am not your enemy - I am your friend
Choose your weapon - mine is my pen

© Shahid Athar, 2001   9-19-01

Shahid Athar M.D. is Clinical Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indiana, and a writer on Islam.

Read other articles by Dr Shahid Athar here.