Not many shepherds live around these parts,
But down the road the buildings are ablaze.
In semi-darkness, citizens with pails
Run like hares towards the smoky haze.
I stop one in passing. ‘I’m Jan,’ he says.
His features throb with duty and despair;
His younger friend stands polishing a gun.
Our lives are here, but could be anywhere.
It's testament to the power of the current situation that a poem can stand alone and still have a resonance - seeing the allusion to Ukraine brings it into deep focus. Excellent.
Ray
Thanks, Holden. Yes, although it is tagged 'Ukraine', this poem is more universal than some of the rcent ones.
And thanks to John C, New Shoes, KJ, Stephen, Rudyard, Brenda, Ursula, K Lynn and Bethany for liking this.
Sat 30th Apr 2022 02:07
Another amazing poem, Stephen, and the last line perfectly encapsulates a very sad but salient truth!
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Stephen Gospage
Sun 1st May 2022 18:52
Thank you very much, Ray.