Syria is in turmoil, the war seems without end
As more and more protagonists, seek power and to avenge.
Turkey’s complication of borders of Iran and of the Kurds
Her troops have crossed the Syrian border – arms supersede words.

A cacophony of local nations, out of tune and too unstable
A modern say Sodom and Gomorrah, a modern day Tower of Babel
Shia, Sunni, autocracy, democracy, a multitude of agendas
Rhetoric and greed, too war war, not jaw jaw; for the innocent masses no defender

Today, beyond Assad, beyond rebels, beyond Arab Spring and beyond Islamic State
The world’s two greatest military powers pursue control and, perhaps, too, pursue check mate.
The United States and Russia, omnipotent, look to settle their old scores.
Alas, it seems, that this old chess board is set for a new Cold War.

The Olympics are over and what a games it’s been
Records set, graft and sweat, inspiration, dreams.
The United States topped the medal table with power and with élan
Followed by Britain, China and Russia, by Germany and Japan.

Beyond the usual suspects the rostrum saw new nations
First ever golds for Vietnam, for Kosovo and Fiji (beyond all expectations)
So too for Singapore, Tajikistan, Jordan and the Ivory Coast
Along with Bahrain and Puerto Rico, all gold medal winners, free to boast.

Athletes from 87 countries earned medals – a record breaker
As was the first ever triple triple by Usain Bolt of Jamaica.
So we look to 2020, where in Tokyo once again the world will unite
To compete, to run, to swim, to jump, to throw, to fight.

Norway, allegedly, might block a bid to join EFTA by the UK
Trade talks, political whispers, more Tower of Babel than “hip-hip hooray”.
If you are a Brit, try not to worry, don’t be dismayed
We are at the beginning of all these negotiations, it’s still early days.

The 31st Olympiad has begun in Rio de Janeiro
The world comes together to seek victor, winner, hero.
The Maracanã Stadium will form the heart of this sporting celebration
As motto: “Faster, Higher, Stronger” unites our global nations.