|
Here the unsuspecting earth was forced To witness the unwanted death of those Pushed or lured to battle by others Who on each side stood behind them. Captured in slashes in the ground They waited their turn to be killed. Charred stems and splintered branches Were all that remained of trees. Pock-marked by shells, the wounded earth With grey bodies fading into the ground Gave images to haunt all born thereafter. Those who died amid shattering noise, Died without speech. And after that No moment of silence to form a memory For the living to carry with them. In the August heat the air quivers Above ripening corn. This stillness Draws the mind to those who died Without farewell or parting. Unwarranted, meaningless death And neither side willing to say ‘enough’. |
