Cannons' Cry
The MorgueFile
I wrapped yellow tissue around red
on days that the sun was clouded
and battlefields drenched,
days interminable.
If eyes could speak and lips weep
none would have broken
the confidences of their deaths
spoken only in their burying.
I learned silence that day.
copyright/all rights reserved Audrey Howitt 2016
Today we are prompted to write about martyrdom/witnessing at Poets United
This is my humble offering.
Yes. The poppies. Those that took their witness with them to the grave silence me as well; the cannon themselves are crying. I love "If eyes could speak and lips weep ..."
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of my uncle, who never could speak about the things he saw in wartime....I could see it in his eyes............your poem is beautiful, Audrey.
ReplyDeleteyour poem and the picture brought these lines to my mind..."In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row,".."I learned silence that day."..a poignant line Audrey...
ReplyDeleteI was completely enamored with the opening lines!!
ReplyDeleteheartfelt
ReplyDeleteSuch haunting imagery and humbling - to learn silence.. truly i wish more people did..
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. This touched a sadness within me, somehow I understand silence better now.
ReplyDeleteYour words sound with tenderness and strength in same time...red poppies so appropriate flowers for this special silence...
ReplyDeleteAmazingly beautiful first line..
ReplyDeleteGreat work!
A tender expression ... poignant and moving.
ReplyDelete