Death knell for a Lady

Political poem

Death knell for a Lady 

 

The storm didn’t ease over the horizon

It struck hard and fast, unexpected

Ominous clouds raced to cover the blue sky

Thunder shook the ground at her feet

Lightning was the clouds’ only silver lining

As darkness sought to overwhelm the flame

 

There had been no warning

No time to seek aid or offer defense

She worried about others yearning for her shelter

No rest, no light, no hope for them any longer

If only there had been some sign

Eyes wide open, she feared the darkness

 

Once inequality had inspired bravery

But then came anger and vengeance

Words were replaced by guns

Red mixed with blue and grey as brothers bled

It was not a mortal wound

She had thought she had healed and moved on

 

Years passed in relative peace

Growth and prosperity returned

The path was not without triumphs and tragedies

But an iron will forged her spine of steel

Strong and silent she stood guard

Quiet, patient, kind, and welcoming

 

The new storm was powerful, unceasing

Red mixed with black and white as brothers bled

Anger and fear, guns and knives

Hatred and retribution, drones and laws

Again it was not a mortal wound

But apathy allowed her blood to flow

 

Eyes averted

No one sought to protect her

Minds closed

No one understood her pain

Hearts hardened

No one worried over her plight

 

Born in spirit years before stone encased her

A lost reminder of past greatness and honor

She stood firm while the brutal battle raged

Battered from the left and the right

A silent witness to the senseless slaughter

Her tears hidden by the stormy rains

 

Darkness fell and extinguished her flame

As the door slammed shut

One last shuddering breath left her cold and hard

Even as her death knell tolled

Lady Liberty stood waiting…waiting…

Waiting for the next flicker of light on the horizon

Reviews

[Cherie Story]

I liked the message, and the you phrased it all well, but I couldn't figure out the meter. It looks like free verse, but is there a beat I should be feeling? In no way is this meant to be negative. I really liked it.

[Rennie St. James]

Your review didn't sound negative and I very much appreciate it. Poetry is still new to me so definitely free verse on this one. To me, it feels more like a story almost than a poem so I understand your confusion! :) I have other shorter poems I hope to post and at least a couple have an actual rhythm! Thanks again for reading and reviewing!

[Cherie Story]

Thank you! I'll look at them!

[Jackie]

I love how you got so much description in here. sort of read like a story. lot of details. this story was also very intense and powerful. very well spoken and also really well written

[Rennie St. James]

I started with novels so perhaps that story format remains??! :) Thanks for reading and reviewing!

[Molly K]

This is really good, really intense and powerful.

[Rennie St. James]

Thank you very much - I'm new to poetry but I am enjoying it!