pictures in a prohibition

Pictures of the prophet found appalling
by followers fanatically now calling
for vengeance against those who have offended
their laws give rise to irony that’s splendid.
These people who in Muslim streets are ranting
consider violence to be enchanting,
supporting suiciders in Manhattan
who shred tall towers just like cheese au gratin,
and have no conscience pangs while killing
young children and their mothers, very willing
to turn all countries upside-down unless
they follow laws about which they obsess.
The Decalogue forbids an image graven
of God, but does not tell us to be craven
towards the people who, iconoclastic,
believe in taking remedies more drastic
that any God who’s worthy of respect
demands from those who call themselves His sect.
Non-Muslims now in Europe are declaring
that pictures of the prophet are too daring,
and even in America they say
that one should not offend the men who pray
to Allah and his prophet. I believe
that those who thus capitulate deceive
themselves that it is not too late to com-
promise about a turban with a bomb
that cartoonists depicted for instruction
of infidels now targets of destruction.

2/8/06