The below poem won the first prize from WHPA (World Harmony and Peace Association) on the topic “Gloom”. Rules were to write a 12-16 line poem.
Walls – that once in the heart of the city stood,
Crumbled- stone and gravel, pack of cards, dead wood,
Rooms that once held the tinkling notes of joyous laughter,
Choked – silence echoed loud, a stillness; no more the pitter-patter…
Shh h… Listen hard, an incessant hum, a moaning sound,
A stifled wail, a gasp, a caged cry; from the parched mound,
Her knees bent, fingers entwined toes, her eyes green;
A deep chasm in those glassy grays; a screeching void seen…
The rosewood table, hummus and kubus served; on the roof- A Crash!
Rivulets black, trickled down the bloody gash,
They rolled, for her; not for them that had been slain,
In a wink had gone, for them, there had been no pain…
Her mother still smiled from the dust, her father bore a frown,
Her brother Ahmed, still wore his yellow birthday crown…
Alone! in the city of doom,
She stood, shivering; blanketed by crippling gloom…
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15 responses to “Prompt Gloom : When will the End Come”
A very powerful poem – congratulations for winning!
Thank you so much Eleanor. Writing this poem gave me goosebumps. I’m glad it was appreciated. But I so wish the children of war would see the light of day. It’s too painful.
It is horrific to think children are suffering now due to war.
Yes it is Eleanor and worse we can do nothing about it.
This broke my heart, you did full justice to wretchedness of the spine chilling and heartbreaking reality of the present times. There seems to be no solution to them, that’s the most frightening part. You can only ask, when will it end?
Thank you Vags. Even writing the poem, gave me shivers. The sad bit is its somebody’s life and they’re living it everyday.
This is an extraordinary poem, Smitha. Congratulations on your win.
Thank you so much Robbie. Will let you know once I fix the Fb bit.
PS, I notice that your Facebook share button is gone. Is that intentional?
No it isn’t. Will check. Thanks Robbie for letting me know. And I was wondering why you weren’t sharing it😊. Thank you again.
Robbie could you please check again if it’s working now
It is fixed now, Smitha.
Thank you Robbie for confirming and for the share.
This is very powerful and very haunting Smitha.
Thank you Andrea. You described it aptly – ‘haunting.’ Its sadly true for so many.