deepundergroundpoetry.com
SPRATLY ISLANDS DISPUTE
Betwixt and between my brothers’ quarrels
Not wanting to side with either one of them
Torn among nations fighting for oil
How long will the war of words prevail
Until a bloody bath is imminent
Only the future holds the key
When push comes to shove
Who do you think shall I pick
Because blood is thicker than water
The obvious choice is my brother
Who could it be—the emerging one from the East
Or the big brother from the West
I’m still betwixt and between my brothers
Because I have walked with them
Through the shadows of darkness,
Enjoyed the fruits of labor in the light of day
Hope the day shall not come
When the final bell’s tolls are unheard
(The Spratly Islands dispute is a territorial dispute over the ownership of the Spratly Islands, a group of islands
located in the South China Sea and lie off the coasts of the Philippines, Malaysia and South Vietnam)
Not wanting to side with either one of them
Torn among nations fighting for oil
How long will the war of words prevail
Until a bloody bath is imminent
Only the future holds the key
When push comes to shove
Who do you think shall I pick
Because blood is thicker than water
The obvious choice is my brother
Who could it be—the emerging one from the East
Or the big brother from the West
I’m still betwixt and between my brothers
Because I have walked with them
Through the shadows of darkness,
Enjoyed the fruits of labor in the light of day
Hope the day shall not come
When the final bell’s tolls are unheard
(The Spratly Islands dispute is a territorial dispute over the ownership of the Spratly Islands, a group of islands
located in the South China Sea and lie off the coasts of the Philippines, Malaysia and South Vietnam)
Published 24th Aug 2014
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comments 11
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The author encourages honest critique.
24th Aug 2014 8:01am
Entered in the poem comp. on this site...would appreciate your feedback/comment.
@EngrVV
@EngrVV
The Spratly Islands is a very sensitive issue as it is claimed by several countries as you have stated, EngrVV, including China, The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and Brunei. There is a potential for aggression to occur among claimants of the island. Some believe that instability could occur egged on by more aggressive China. And why…because it is believed that the Spratly Islands area is rich with resources such as oil and marine life/seafood.
The Spratly Islands dispute is actually due to overlapping claims. The ASEAN’s 1992 declaration was thought to be a good solution to the problem, but it had lingered unresolved. In 2013, I was supposed to cover a function on Layang2 island, with the military and our Prime Minister. Unfortunately it was scrapped due to some domestic problem. I could have loved to see the islands. :) Interestingly USS JC Stennis made an appearance in this part of the world during that time. So we asked them if they were bound for the Island...:D
Malaysia has militarily occupied three islands that it considers to be within its continental shelf. Swallow Reef (Layang Layang / Terumbu Layang / Pulau Layang Layang) was under control on 1983 and has been turned into an island through a land reclamation which now also hosts a dive resort. The Malaysian military also occupies Ardasier Reef (Terumbu Ubi), and Mariveles Reef (Terumbu Mantanani). (wiki)
The Spratly Islands dispute is actually due to overlapping claims. The ASEAN’s 1992 declaration was thought to be a good solution to the problem, but it had lingered unresolved. In 2013, I was supposed to cover a function on Layang2 island, with the military and our Prime Minister. Unfortunately it was scrapped due to some domestic problem. I could have loved to see the islands. :) Interestingly USS JC Stennis made an appearance in this part of the world during that time. So we asked them if they were bound for the Island...:D
Malaysia has militarily occupied three islands that it considers to be within its continental shelf. Swallow Reef (Layang Layang / Terumbu Layang / Pulau Layang Layang) was under control on 1983 and has been turned into an island through a land reclamation which now also hosts a dive resort. The Malaysian military also occupies Ardasier Reef (Terumbu Ubi), and Mariveles Reef (Terumbu Mantanani). (wiki)
24th Aug 2014 6:22pm
It is indeed a very sensitive issue and I hope cooler heads will prevail. My stand on this is why not just do a joint venture among claimant nations in the extraction of oil, development and use of the whole archipelago and divide the profits among themselves. Another alternative is to honor the United Nations Convention - Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 200 nautical Miles Exclusive Economic Zone held in Jamaica on Dec. 10, 1982, so whichever islands having close proximity within the 200 NM to each claimant nation should belong to them.
@EngrVV
@EngrVV
24th Aug 2014 6:23pm
25th Aug 2014 2:58am
As has been pointed out many times in the world's history, conflict and dispute is so much more profitable then a peaceful resolution. Just watch the Lord of War with Nicholas Cage again. It is on Amnesty International's list of recommended viewing. Too bad it is nonfiction.
Love your write.
Love your write.
26th Aug 2014 3:40pm
Yes I have seen that movie once, twice, two many already...I see what you mean brother Jazz!
Thank you so much brother...much appreciated.
@EngrVV
Thank you so much brother...much appreciated.
@EngrVV
28th Aug 2014 5:52am
Oh this read line a very close to home piece,
n I must admit: it's also a most enlightening one too :)
n I must admit: it's also a most enlightening one too :)
28th Aug 2014 6:05pm
I'm glad you can relate Poetikmind...thanks for the read and for your kind words.
@EngrVV
@EngrVV
Anonymous
11th Sep 2014 6:59am
Cool poem, but you're a mediocre fighter, Manny!
14th Jan 2016 3:42pm
So sad when people who just wanna live and let live have to choose sides in order to not be overrun. They told me in school that "right doesn't make right". Life has convinced me otherwise
15th Jan 2016 4:46am
There is no better teacher than life experience itself...thanks for the read and insightful comment FB300+.
