Streets of blood

She stood upon the terrace high

streets of blood below

The gate left open in the night,

a dark sky threatens snow

 

With swine and pearls running free

her bed sheets fought the wind

A tear drop fell her worried eyes

at hate now once again

 

Of drawbridge wars in endless fight

to stones of castle keep

A single rose a’ bloom this dawn

as mothers come to weep

 

For sons of father’s destined fall,

these followed footsteps bare

Along the streets so narrow, long,

where death becomes aware

 

“Enough!” she shouted far and wide

“This fighting now shall end.

Take your swords and hateful spite,

do not return again!”

 

And lifting high her amulet

upon a staff of wood

She chanted as the stone did glow

this morning where she stood

 

“Of peace, let all be felt this hour,

thy breath of saddened greed.

Be gone, be gone, oh beast of war,

no longer doth thou feed

 

Ye shadows o’er a nightfall mist,

lest blood befall your hand

Beyond this tree lined sacred place,

be gone from this our land!”

 

When then a mighty wave did flow,

the streets were cleansed of fear

And there beyond horizons call

the sunrise did appear

 

And where once sat a single rose,

one thousand buds did grow

Of crimson red and silken gold,

the sweetest fragrance flow

 

Mothers hugged their children close

as loudly trumpets blared

The bloodied streets now white with snow

and love by all was shared

 

But there within the canyons lurked

cast eyes of beaded red

“I shall return to take this place,

o’ ye who think me dead.

 

To once more fill yon streets with blood

of this ye can believe

No matter what the masses want,

know this, I shall not leave!”

Reviews

[Soren]

Will this poem was so full of metaphors and archetypes that it requires many readings. The surface reading casts doubt on the permanance of peace. But oh so deep this does go to the heart of so many things that I hesitate to start on how it touched me. Each line brought up a draught of feelings and images. A wonderful write that delves deep into the human soul.

[willweb]

Thanks so very much my friend for this humbling review of my poem. I am so thrilled this one was to your liking. I appreciate your visit.

[Soren]

Most welcome, honored to have read it.

[K.P.H.M]

So beautifully written! I can really see the imagery of this poem in my mind. Excellent work as always!

[willweb]

Thank you so much for your kindness.

[John the Baptist]

This one could apply to mankind in general, but something about it made me think of Ukraine.The words of the assailant could well be spoken by Mr. Putin. A very well rhymed and paced piece of storytelling here.

[willweb]

Thanks John. Not Ukraine but it could be.

[Betty Hermelee]

This is an excellent poem, written with such carefully considered words..a sad tale of war, death and blooded streets where all wept for their sons to live....until the amulet upon a staff of wood and a shout of peace, finally through out the ogres... and the streets were clean and sun shone, but unforeseen are the ogres who hide and intend to kill again...."know this, I shall not leave".....strong words, fine rhyme and an vivid setting....
Best, B

[willweb]

Thank you so much Betty

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Will!!
Best, B

[Re-Pete]

sounds like a promise. love has the ability to conquer all. when will we ever learn ... :)

[willweb]

Not sure of the answer but if you find it, please let me know what it is. Thanks for stopping by.

[JD Major]

Powerful, Will! ...I'm guessing Ukraine? ...Do you know people there?

[willweb]

Actually, no and no. Just a poem, kind of a fantasy setting of sorts though kind of bloody I know. Thanks for reading JD.

[keith]

makes one wonder 'how have we made it this far
the changes indicating different speak is as multiple speak in a spoken word performance
an orator/speak 1 and mother/solitaire mindful in emotional speak
i use 'speak' in appreciative way
a very thoughtful offering so very well penned

[willweb]

Thank you so very much Keith. I am really happy you liked this piece today. I had fun writing this and seeing it unfold. To me, that is the best part of writing...giving birth to something new.

[keith]

the pen is an instrument of words that can sing meaning or raise hell!
play the word music ... explore different directions and find that which fits!
you got it! the creation is the point!
see further than one could imagine and lie in the beauties of words.

[Dave Brown]

an impressive and major undertaking on a very unpleasant subject
will mankind ever be free of war, violence and killing
we seem to be too stupid

[willweb]

It sure seems that way, doesn't it. Thanks Dave