Thundering light set the sky ablaze
wailing sirens sang a dirge
melding with the panicked voices
rising from scurrying souls
seeking shelter from the arcing flames
tracing a path to death’s door.
Running feet shook the ground
they’re hurrying to nowhere
hoping for the safety of a prayer
coated with blinding smoke
washed with tears streaming on faces
unrecognizable in agony and fear.
The earth trembled
bodies fell
one after the other
time stood still
senses failed
the silence was deafening –
darkness reigned
had war stopped
or was the world gone?
Would a spirit know
or care
who was right
or who won?
__________
This was written for MAGPIE TALES and 100 WORD CHALLENGE FOR GROWN-UPS. This week, 100 word’s prompt was “….the silence was deafening”. Meanwhile, MAGPIE TALES has the above picture prompt for this week. I did not know what to make of the word prompt until I saw the photo and understood what the photo was about. As you see, I have difficulty understanding abstract pictures/paintings. I was also not familiar with Verdun or the artist. It was only after a little research that I understood what the prompt was about.
Check out the links to Magpie Tales and 100 Word Challenge for some gorgeous writing. 🙂
As always, I appreciate your coming by and comments. 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to visit and read. God bless you.
MY WALL 
The horrors and realities of war…written well describing it….Diane
Thanks, Diane. 🙂
Powerful and soul-stirring. What an excellent interpretation of the picture prompt and to weave in the word prompt into your poem. I will be thinking of these lines today.
“Would a spirit know
or care
who was right
or who won?
Sharon
Thank you, Sharon. 🙂
hi imelda, your writing stirs the soul, very powerful imagery! i would like to inform you that i mentioned you in this post : http://alwaysbobswife.wordpress.com/2012/11/17/a-tug-in-my-heart-that-hopefully-tugs-yours/ … i hope i made you smile 🙂
April
Love this. Should be read in every school, in English and History.
Thank you, Mikey B. Your words are so kind. 🙂
Unbelievable. One outstanding post after another. I am in great awe. Your words are too powerful, substantial, and whoa-eloquent. You really depicted the gripping images of war in such few words.
Thank you, Rommel, for your visit and the very kind words. I am humbled by your generosity. 🙂
ugh…could you imagine the silence at the end of a war…and the fear to hope it was finally done? war is such a brutal game we play…and does anyone ever really win?
No, nobody wins. Even the ‘victor’ – one who successfully wore the other side down – suffers the loss of its own people at the least. Its flag will always be stained by the blood of those who perished. War brings nothing but destruction and misery.
Yup, that is where I stopped also–at the end–grin!
Will a spirit know or care? Ever??? We all know
what we think the answer
love your questions here…there are no winners in war…just so much suffering…an excellently chosen image as well to accompany the write…
well written piece. Strong points. Excellent read. Thanks
You are SO right on. Would a body or spirit know or care who won!! Point well made in this poem.
Just letting you know that I featured your blog and there is a BIG award waiting for you. 😀