2016:

They insinuated toward the enemy with heads held high.

Their mighty swords and Allah Akbar, a piercing battle cry.

Those who launched a thousand ships stood impotent on the quay.

Tears rained from Lady Liberty’s face. We may never understand why.

With Apologies to Christopher Marlowe

1200 B.C.

 Hollow Trojan threats rained on the Greeks whose legions spread wide.

The patient invaders, pontificated. The Trojans’ threats denied.

The fight went on for years. The casualties many.

Finally, the genius Odysseus, that devious Greek defender

Sent a large wooden horse as a gift of surrender.

The trick of Odysseus worked without fail.

The Greeks were the winners. The Trojans quickly set sail.

That one famous battle is now known by all.

When invaders succeeded to see a strong nation fall.

You are welcome.