115
PRISONERS OF THE PAST
The Kurds are a people who have attracted my admiration
and sympathy for many years. They live in a mountainous
area. In the summer they take their herds up into the
mountains and back down in the winter.
Recently a small Kurdish city on the border of Iran was
attacked by Iraqi war planes that dropped bombs containing
mustard gas, nerve gas and a third gas. Almost at once,
thousands of people lay dying in the streets.
I have admired the Kurds for so long that it is like
losing old friends. Besides, I am living on the same planet.
How savage can the world get? I could pretend I am a cabbage
and lead a vegetative life or take to drink. Neither one
appeals.
However, I am mortal. We are the only creatures that
are aware of death. I accept that but hope that I leave at a
time when the people of the world are more sane and there is
more room for hope.
It is noon on a warm sunny day, so will enjoy it and
keep trying to be helpful to my fellow creatures on the
planet, except snails.
