Baghdad
      A long time ago . .


“Come back inside. It's too cold out there.”

She had a point; it was too cold outside but the view from the balcony was captivating.

“And besides, it's just not safe.”

As if to emphasize that, a building burst into flame a few blocks away. I have a thing about missing prime seating at the beginnings of a revolution. I went back inside, got a robe and my cigarettes. I shut the door and lit one up. Baghdad was burning once again at the cause of Americans. I fancied it was my group and mine alone that caused this, but really it was the years of frustration and oppressive rule the people faced. I guess satellite television is what really did it. As a general rule when a certain percentage of the population in a fascist country gains access to American TV it's all over.

I would've left the hotel, but where could I go? To the streets to be slaughtered is about all. Best thing to do was wait for the helicopter .. if it ever got there.


SMR 2000.11.08