dawn’s pink fingers
caress the town awake
softening the darkness
bringing forth the light
he walks alone
fighting recollections
of grim gun-metal days
running through
crimson-spattered streets
dodging snipers
and falling shells
the war is over
but remembered sounds
and bitter memories
remain locked inside
his broken heart.
Image credit: Maksym Harbar @Unsplash
Written in response to Sadje‘s What do You See #101 photo prompt.
luna's on line 
Chris, this is so evocative and as I read this I could see the scene. Such sadness as well though. I really like this poem
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So kind of you to say! Thanks, Lorraine 🙂
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You are very welcome Chris
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You’ve transported me back to those dark days after the WW II. Beautiful poetry Chris and so realistic. Thanks for joining in
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Thanks so much, Sadje – so much history is hidden within the walls of European towns and cities. Great prompt!
Thanks for sharing, too.
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It’s a pleasure. And yes you’re absolutely right.
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[…] An Uneasy Peace — luna’s on line […]
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The aftermath of a bloody war is so difficult to deal with. Very well written Chris.
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For so many people in so many places too… Thanks, Radhika. 😊
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I loved the personification of Dawn in this poem. It was such a clear and beautiful image. It was sad that – instead of seeing the beautiful light, his head was still more focused on the horrors of the war before. It’s almost impossible to move on and forget something as terrible as war.
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Thanks so much for your encouraging words! For so many, the scars of war remain… very sad.
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Your really captured the essence of the moment which can never be forgotten
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Thanks, Deb 😊
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Aw Chris, war is never okay…regardless of how noble and heroic the intentions maybe, because there would always be innocent victims caught in the middle …and your poem just speaks so much of those victims .
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Sadly there are so many of them… thanks, Mich. 🙏🦃
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What a heart-breaking poem, a reality shared by so many.
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Sadly true, Jacqui. Thanks for the comment. 🙏
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Such a powerful and tragic poem, Chris. It flows beautifully from the soft present into the grim past that can’t be shaken. Well done. ❤
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Thank you so much, Diana. I really appreciate you feedback 🙂
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It’s a moving poem, Chris. I really enjoyed it.
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😊
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Powerful and haunting descriptions here, Chris – really makes the reader think! ❤
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Thanks very much, Tom 🙂
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Lest we forget…
Hats off Chris!
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Yes, indeed. Thanks, Spira 🙂
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Excellent piece on peace Chris – nicely done 🙂
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Ha ha, thanks, Rory 🙂
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Very powerful!
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Thanks, Debra 🙂
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This is wonderful. I was taken back.
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Thanks so much, Gary 🙂
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A sad and haunting interpretation of the prompt … the effect of war will always be in the memories and never forgotten however hard we try to rebuild,,, well written and portrayed, Chris
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Thanks, Carol – seeing the photo of the old buildings (of which we have so few here) put me in mind of places I’ve visited in Europe where you can still see the scars of conflict in the walls.
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Towns and villages close to mine have seen many wars over hundreds of years, from the Norman Conquest in 1066 to WW2, yet they’ve survived. A poignant poem indeed.
Here’s mine!
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I guess you don’t have to go far in many places to find such reminders…
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A lovely poem, Chris. The contrast between the dawn and his experiences is very striking.
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I’m pleased you liked it, Robbie 🙂
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The experiences of those in the midst of war are always near the surface – always ready to erupt when a sound or smell or sight awakens them…. Your poem brings this to life!
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Thanks so much, Val. I’m pleased it works for you 🙂
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A beautiful poem Chris! The words are subtle and the emotions it stirrs is loud!!! And I love the title.
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Thanks so much, HS! I always find titles tricky, but this one just arrived while I was composing the poem.
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I love your imaginative response to the prompt photo!
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Thanks, Liz, sometimes I even surprise myself!
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I can visualize your words in too many cities…
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Terrible shame, isn’t it…
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That it is…
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piece and war
what they fightin for?
in the living God
they destroy
and every man and boy
is a tool a fule to satan
light bearing fell to hell
literally
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Your words ring so true – thanks for this 🙂
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Some memories never go away! This is hauntingly evocative, Chris.
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Thanks so much, Punam 🙂
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You are welcome, Chris. 🙂
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That is one heavy poem, Chris. Bravo for doing it in such a way that neither diminishes the effects of war, nor glorifies it–a tough task done brilliantly.
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Thanks so much for that comment, Susan. It means a lot 🙂
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Wow. A powerful poem, Chris. Love it. ☺️
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Thanks very much, Jeff! 😊
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Welcome, Chris!
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[…] Chris Hall: An uneasy peace […]
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Wow, this is beautifully penned. Loved, how you portray, the peace after war.
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Thanks very much, Usha!
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I enjoyed reading your response.
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😊
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Sad but true. Beautifully written poem.
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Thank you, Indira 🙂
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