Karaoke in New Afghanistan
Halfway through ‘Californication’
I realized there wasn’t a designated
driver in the place
we were thirty miles away from home
and knee-deep in a melting pot
patrons calling out for shots
in at least a half-dozen languages
I nailed that song even though I stumbled
through the second verse
lost in my own thoughts
worried about how things might be
come tomorrow’s sunrise
but then
when the entire house came to their feet
whistling
and shouting
and clapping above their heads
I could only imagine how Lennon
would one day love it here
This poem prompted by Poetics: War for peace – or just hard work? via dVerse Pub
december two thousand fifteen
copyright j matthew waters
all rights reserved
jdubqca 
A strong close on a terrific poem. War poets, poets who have been there, behind the lines, face to face with the shit; puts me in mind of Brian Turner’s poems in HERE, BULLET. Very impressive, & the recitation gives us extra shivers & depth.
Thank you, Glenn…for stopping by and taking the time to comment on this peace – an excellent prompt to work with to be sure.
One of the best songs ever. Great story telling
Thanks so much, Victoria – appreciate your stopping by and commenting….
Wonderful John.. I can just imagine how just singing would change it all… There is a reason why censorship on songs is always strong in wartime… Imagine it was 35 years ago… Imagine.
Thanks so much, Björn, and nice work on the prompt.
This is so touching.. and yes the reading made it even more effective 🙂
Thank you so much for visiting and commenting on this piece.
Wonderful story here. I can imagine very well. I was in NYC that horrible day but….the song continues, despite it all. Excellent work.
Thank you for your kind comments. I appreciate you stopping by to visit here.
Great song…love those Red Hot Chili Peppers! Maybe that’s the answer to peaceful coexistence…singing together. Perhaps we should give it a try, nothing else has worked.
Yes, absolutely, it’s certainly worth a try! Thank you for your comments.