Shadow of Prayers

A child leads.....

In the shadow of prayers
grief drips from crucifixes
onto a child oblivious
to tears brushing her dress.

Giggles echo through rosary beads
stirring ghosts asleep in Calvary’s woe
to sing of peace where evil breeds.

Hallelujahs swell as love
begins to break stony souls
who barter war as the only
path to freedom.

©Susie Clevenger 2015


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Comments

Jim said…
I'm waiting for the day that "love begins to break stony souls." I probably won't live that long.
Nice write, Susie. The image of thse little girls' tears saddens me, little girls shouldn't have to cry.
..
Outlawyer said…
Agh. So powerful. Bartering war as the only path to freedom--I feel sick inside! (In the good way--save us from this.) Great stuff, Susie. Let's hope people pay attention. k.
Nuwan S said…
so beautiful
good luck
(http://imagtalks.blogspot.com)
brudberg said…
I saw the picture of that little girl playing among those crucifixes... I hope we can find a way to peace through giggles
A child leads, one day perhaps we shall follow! Bastet
Marian said…
Bartering war, that's exactly right. I did see (and wowed at) the photo that inspired this, but your poem is really strong on its own, wonderful.
Kerry O'Connor said…
to sing of peace where evil breeds...

This is not an easy song to sing, Susie but you show us how to do it in this touching poem.
hedgewitch said…
Prayers are comforting to the prayer--and indeed a reflex even for those who don;t believe when trouble comes--but it will take so much more, and that is the feel your poem has--of the mountain we must move with something beyond wishes.
Rommy said…
There is something hopeful in that child's laughter, even in all the gloom.
kaykuala said…
One just abhors the war situation prevailing in many parts of the world. How poignant to see little girls in the midst of them all with not just tears but with blood all over. Pity! Beautiful write but sad, Susie!

Hank
Magaly Guerrero said…
I hope for the day your last stanza comes true...

I quite enjoyed the contrast offered by your poem, and the irony, too...
grapeling said…
evocative and sad ~