Once


Empty streets…
the noise of the city market
now the echo of a tomb…

Scattered children’s toys
still hold memories of giggles.

We once lived here
with open windows
and kind words.

Can joy be resurrected
from a battlefield?
The debris lies sullen.


©Susie Clevenger 2012

Shared on Real Toads ~ Open Link Monday

Comments

poignant piece.relevant anywhere from Kabul to Baghdad to Gaza.
Kerry O'Connor said…
I like a poem that opens up many avenues of interpretation and that is certainly true of this poem..Lots to think about.
Anonymous said…
Such sorrow in so few words. Very touching.
Mary said…
Thought-provoking. I personally want to believe joy is resilient and can somehow resurrect even from ashes.
Kimolisa said…
this poem is short but very effective in hitting a cord within.
Herotomost said…
That is a potent write Susie, and the one thing that is disturbing is that its too prevalent and the one thing that is beautiful, is mankind still seems persevere. Great work.
Susan said…
Yes. And what price victory. Sullen is the atmosphere indeed where once was laughter and owners of all the abandoned. Gosh this is brilliant--sharp edged and shiny.
Scarlet said…
I thought of war, and the remains of children's toys. Chilling write Susie ~
Marian said…
oh yes, sigh. thank you, susie.