Warszawa

When the rumble of great machines
and hollow people
ceased to echo,

who stepped forward among the rubble?
Dared to find foothold in this
dust and dirt-covered snow
under which lilacs slept
dreaming of the Old Town Marketplace

in colours of spring,

who stood responsible of days
without sunlight?
Cold, brazen land dripping
desolateness, not defeat,

never defeat.

When the skies cleared and 
shouts deafened and left
history to mop itself off the floor,

who stood defiant screaming 
that while there is soil and serenity
we can rise like a phoenix 
from the destiny we were assigned to
but did not choose?

Who stood at the edge?
Timeless like a name,
timeless like memory,
dripping with defiance,
not defeat,

never defeat.

Reviews

[Emily B]

the poet stood and sang the song for all the world to hear

[Little Birdie]

If the poet wouldn't, who else would dare?