The Cross and Crescent

Through the night unholy shapes are present,
An age-old war between cross, and crescent.

Crusaders now long since vacant from the holy land,
Replaced by modern knights with a “helping hand”.

Martyrs who give their lives for Allah are raised,
Diplomatically discouraged but privately praised.

The Middle East is full of free and sovereign nations,
As long as, you can keep up with your oily libations.

The innocent masses, in offices and airports expunged
Islamic extremists craving another holy war, we plunge.

Through the night unholy shapes are present,
An age-old war between cross, and crescent.

This is a solid poem, but the first thing I'd have to say about it is that it's just too blunt. Not blunt in the sarcastic way that it's often used, but blunt in the way that it's more 'this is what I'm trying to say; there I said it'.

At the beginning of the poem, there's this almost mythical quality to the first two (and even four) lines, but that disappears when the more political, current events side is thrown in. This aspect makes the poem change from a kind of a vague history smack to a summary of geo-politics from the last century or so, which aren't related at all to the poem's subject.

A more specific topic would be better suited to this kind of poem.

Happy writing!