In '96, a brief war's tale unfurled,
Powers clashed, fleeting sorrow in the world.
Anglo-Zanzibar stage, where fate did play,
A disputed throne, no resolution in the fray.
****
Khalid claimed Zanzibar, rightful heir,
Succeeded Hamad, turmoil in the air.
Britain favored Hamoud, their stake was clear,
Sir Basil Cave's ultimatum severe.
****
The deadline passed, defiance took its place,
Cannons roared, conflict set the pace.
Naval might against Zanzibar's might,
Swift triumph, fading daylight's fight.
****
Palace ablaze, the flag brought down,
Minutes sufficed to claim the crown.
Casualties mounted, lives left torn,
Zanzibar wounded, hearts forlorn.
****
Five hundred souls lost, in anguish they fell,
One British sailor's pain, a tale to tell.
Hamoud installed, British control secure,
Manifesting power, relentless and sure.
****
A testament to strength, displayed with haste,
The British Empire's force, an era's taste.
History's shortest war for 38-45 mins, a fleeting glance,
Anglo-Zanzibar, a moment's dance.
About the Creator
Crisszia
Poems and Fiction are great duo❤️
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Dead and Wearing Green
She was wearing that green dress when I first saw her, five years ago to the day. Flowing meadow fabric draped over long legs, thick auburn hair flowing down her back. That smile. Of course, she is still beautiful now. But now she is no longer alive.
By Karen Cave5 days ago in Fiction
Comments (1)
A brilliant and moving poem about a little-known war, beautifully written and capturing the tragedy and futility of conflict.