SWORD
SOMEWHERE HE RIDES WITH A CAPE+PLUMED HAT
HIS SWORD HELD HIGH
Khaled al-Assad preserver of Roman antiquities Columns
rising out of the desert in Syria! No more Born in Palmyra
retired octogenarian What strangefruit is he? Now hanging
from a pole after 3 weeks in captivity
Islamic State abhors symbols of Western idolatry Haters with
a flair for stagecraft: orange jumpsuits carving knives +bulldozers
This brutal execution to eradicate paganism A new iteration of
burn the witch? Or loot the art of now gassed prisoners?
This Director of Idols Convenor of Infidel Conferences taken to
the market square charges against him hanging from his neck Named
his daughter Zenobia after 3rd century Queen directed Palmyra Museum
for forty years 6 books leading expert on Syrian culture+treasures
Had he remained a shepherd he would likely be under a cold moon his
tent filled with family Mr. al-Assad believer in destiny passed through
the market square daily +often paused under the canopy leaning against
the further most pole a private sanctuary Blood red sun casting shadows
at his feet
__
I was born in Palmyra. And I will stay in Palmyra. And not leave even
if it costs me my blood. Khaled al-Assad June 2015
Summer 2015
