(Maternity Ward – Ukraine)
Caesarean by torchlight,
Windows spraying shards,
Husband killed in fighting,
She holds no more cards.
Shifted while in labour,
Infant on a drip,
Ordeal terrifying,
Fights to keep her grip.
The doctors and the nurses
Deliver in the dark,
But sometimes the destruction
And the death are just too stark.
In Moscow they are unperturbed,
As they wolf down five-course dinners;
They know full well that history
Is written by the winners.
Hello Stephen,
"Winners" really hit me hard. You capture not just suffering, but the horrifying reality that all this misery is orchestrated by just a single man, sitting comfortably in Moscow, dreaming of old borders and a “new world order,” while leaving death, destruction, and terror in his wake. Your words make the cruelty impossible to ignore—and humanise those caught in it.
Take care,
regards,
Rolph
I totally agree with Graham with this piece. The other great thing for me about this piece is it doesn't pull any punches.
Wonderful
This is a very powerfully stark poem Stephen. As you know I am an avid fan of the short line format and I think this is elevated by the form.
The final verse is simply excellent, the last two lines especially.
Well done sir!
G
If you wish to post a comment you must login.
This site uses only functional cookies that are essential to the operation of the site. We do not use cookies related to advertising or tracking. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
Stephen Gospage
Wed 24th Sep 2025 16:55
Thank you, Graham, Martin and Rolph. I got the idea for this after reading a report about the bombing of a Ukrainian maternity hospital in The Guardian. The details were utterly appalling. It makes you wonder what sort of people can do this and still sleep at night.
And thanks to everyone who liked this poem.