Sloviansk (14 April 2023)

by Stephen Gospage

Tuesday 18th April 2023 8:46 am

Another toddler has copped it today;

They dragged him from the mess but then he died.

Attacks could come with heaviness of heart;

Those in charge know full well what may happen,

And might express regret for dirty tasks.

But no, each life has now become fair game;

All are equal before the randomness,

The cheap terror of such vague precision.

Yes, the good die young, but the young just die,

And nobody asks for their opinion.

From here, cranking up anger seems facile;

Impotence turns all rage to comedy.

Words ring hollow above the depths of grief.

We recoil at revenge. But for how long?

Comments

Stephen Gospage

Thu 20th Apr 2023 17:38

Thank you, John. I appreciate your comment. Yes, the war will end, but what will replace it? Real peace seems unlikely. Perhaps a festering truce?

John Coopey

Wed 19th Apr 2023 16:01

Of course, no-one knows where it will end. But it will end. Just as all periods of peace end. Powerful and incisive, Stephen.

Stephen Gospage

Tue 18th Apr 2023 21:36

Thank you, Keith for your generous comments. You sum up the senselessness of this conflict perfectly and point the finger at the culprit. It is also desperately sad to see the likes of President Lula being sucked in by the Russian propaganda machine.

And thank you, Uilleam and John, for your comments. As you say, John, where (or when) will it end? A terrible prospect for us all, and for the millions of refugees faced with so much uncertainty.

And thanks to Hélène, Stephen A and Manish for liking.

John Botterill

Tue 18th Apr 2023 11:46

As always, Stephen, you capture the mood of our times and inanity of what is happening. Where will it end?

Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Tue 18th Apr 2023 11:31

Thank you Stephen.
You're spot on Keith.
What makes our impotence all the more painful and frustrating is the knowledge that our UK government's sleaze merchants are also the enemy within.

keith jeffries

Tue 18th Apr 2023 09:50

Stephen,
This senseless war continues with no regard for human life or property. As you rightly say they know what they are doing. They are murdering at random. I recently saw the Dictator Putin in a Cathedral celebrating Easter, proclaiming his faith in the resurrection of Christ. He lights candles and kisses icons. He is a serial killer and a hypocrite. As a fellow poet I salute you in keeping track of these atrocities. The world must be told exactly what is taking place and who is responsible for it.
Thank you indeed for this poem
Keith

If you wish to post a comment you must login.

Sloviansk (14 April 2023)

Comments

Please consider supporting us