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

Abin Chakraborty said…
poignant piece.relevant anywhere from Kabul to Baghdad to Gaza.
December 10, 2012 at 12:53 PM
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.
December 10, 2012 at 1:10 PM
Anonymous said…
Such sorrow in so few words. Very touching.
December 10, 2012 at 1:20 PM
Mary said…
Thought-provoking. I personally want to believe joy is resilient and can somehow resurrect even from ashes.
December 10, 2012 at 4:57 PM
Kimolisa said…
this poem is short but very effective in hitting a cord within.
December 10, 2012 at 5:30 PM
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.
December 10, 2012 at 6:27 PM
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.
December 10, 2012 at 11:03 PM
Scarlet said…
I thought of war, and the remains of children's toys. Chilling write Susie ~
December 11, 2012 at 7:22 AM
Marian said…
oh yes, sigh. thank you, susie.
December 11, 2012 at 9:05 AM
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