Trudging through dark, rain-drenched streets, sodden feet sliding over cobbles, hope ebbs away, like rivulets flowing over muddy gutters. The storm rages beyond the border, and wave upon wave of the cowed and the cowering flee; families struggling, dragging straggling old folk and hungry, wailing kids. Doors open, women beckon, many are taken in. But not us.
midnight approaches
and now the streets are empty
will we ever find refuge?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Image credit: Carter Saunders @ Unsplash
The image shows a red neon sign that reads “Vacancy” over a black background.
Written in response to Sadje‘s What Do You See #123 photo prompt
luna's on line 
Such a heartbreaking story Chris. I can see where you got your inspiration from. The situation in Ukraine is effecting everyone these days. Thanks for joining in with this evocative take.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Sadje. The situation has been pressing on my mind all weekend. I’m incensed by the fact that the SA government is sitting on the fence and refusing to condemn Russia.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! Yeah, everyone is looking after their own vested interests.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just wondering what the Russians have on us, although perhaps it’s better not to know.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We aren’t going to be privy to their secrets.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, indeed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🧐
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] Outsiders — luna’s on line […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful, timely, heartbreaking ✨
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, Paula 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a very harrowing situation to be in . A very touching and heartbreaking write Chris.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fortunately, I can only imagine. Thanks so much, Radhika. 🙂
LikeLike
This is so heart breaking Chris…and just timely 🧡🙏🥺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very pertinent and poignant at the moment. I like the unsettling nature of this, Chris – powerful piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, Chris.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Mich. I can’t get some of those images of people fleeing out of my mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too Chris..🥺🥺🥺it’s breaking my heart….😭💔
LikeLiked by 1 person
Everyone has war on their mind 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
As if people haven’t been through enough already.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nuclear was a forgotten word. It jumps back now. Banks can block SWIFT, but there’s crypto. Ways and means for both peace and war are larger.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope it’s just Putin posturing. I remember all that ‘duck and cover’ stuff.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no! But I’m thinking the family will find a diner to get warm, at least. Nicely done, Chris 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, let’s hope so, Maria!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heart wrenching 🙁
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a dreadful situation to be in…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sigh! And this is so apt for the times that we are living now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sadly so, Parikhit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful post shared and heartfelt too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Tanvir.
LikeLike
Tough, heartbreaking
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kevin.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heartbreaking, Chris. My government wants to help, but Westminster’s heartlessness ties our hands. I look to Ireland and see their humanity shining through.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The government here won’t even condemn Russia.
LikeLike
I’m not hitting like on that. Man, what is up with the world? It’s like the highheid yins (high ups) don’t see the people as actual humans. 😡 💔
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re more interested in protecting their political and economic interests. SA is part of the BRICS block (what lovely neighbours we have).
LikeLike
Aren’t they all! I can’t comment on SA’s politics as I don’t have a clue about it. But, I’ll take your word on it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
An excellent poem and expression of feeling, Chris.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, Robbie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Movingly expressed 😪❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!
LikeLike
You’re very welcome indeed
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is viscrally appealing. Wonderful use of imagery in this descriptive piece, Chris. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, Lamittan 🙂
LikeLike
Feel most welcome, Chris. 💕
LikeLike
How sad, and scary at the same time!😢
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s hard to imagine how frightening it must be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it truly is!
LikeLike
Very poignant well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Mason 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always look for hope, Chris; this current situation is trying to chip away at that, but there’s always hope.
Your poem sums up the innocent’s side well, trapped, escaping and looking for hope.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s good to look for hope, Tom, but it seems hard to find when there seems no middle ground for the two sides. With all the sanctions being put in place against Russia, maybe one of Putin’s “comrades” will bump him off.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You never know.
Didn’t Pinnochio come alive that time? 🙄😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, this is such a heartbreaking haibun, bringing to mind those poor, displaced people in Ukraine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those are the people I was thinking of after seeing the news reports over the weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought it might be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful prose and poem combo, Chris! ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Jeff 🙂
LikeLike
I found this so potent, Chris. And exquisite alliteration. I’m always *starstruck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are too kind, Jude! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have joined in this prompt. I liked the picture.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent – I’ll look out for it, Robbie 🙂
LikeLike
[…] Chris Hall; Outsiders […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read that Queen Elizabeth made a rather huge donation to the Ukraine. One can only hope the monies goes to where it is needed most. In our area we have a large Ukraine population (from the first time there was conflict and folks left). I can only imagine the distress they feel. I know there are many avenues available to send support there – but for those who have left… where do they go, will they also be helped. A very good write inspired by current events.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I started to reply to you yesterday and then there was another unexpected blackout! Anyway, what I almost said…
I hadn’t heard that QE2 had donated, although I know she does a lot in her private capacity. Good for her! They’ve been interviewing Ukrainian immigrants of long-standing on the radio here. So sad to hear what they say about their fears for their families still over there and their love for their country and people.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just one human, one political party – that thinks their way is the best and folks on both sides suffer. Seems the historical lessons weren’t learned at all…
LikeLiked by 1 person