Ode to "Boer War" a painting by John Byam Liston SHAW

The painting depicts a woman widowed during the Boer War

 

The sadness deep inside of you

The memories ….. like birds that flew

Those moments lost in mists of time

When all of life seemed so sublime

 

A life extinguished …. now forlorn

War’s raging tempest caused the storm

That leaves you in the wilderness

Distraught within your emptiness

 

May time heal wounds that are so deep

Again one day … feel blissful sleep

When birds again fly on the wing

Your heart once more to feel … and sing

 

Phil Sanders

                               22/6/97

Reviews

[R J Askew]

Great focus on the mood of heart loss, but you also throw the sentiment forward by adding hope. And very well executed with to an 8 syllable double couplet scheme that just works. The image is very evocative, too, with the poem and picture working well together.

[jen -- JG]

Very well done. The image and feelings displayed show the deep hurt a woman feels for a lost loved one.
You also offer the hope for healing - and peace.

I like this one

Cheers

jen

[Kim Kruger]

Phil, this is touching and speaks to hope and healing during a time of darkness. Short and to the point, but a strong message nonetheless. Well done. I hope you are doing well.

[Valentine]

There are a lot of families going through this because of the stupid Iraq war..I pray that they are one day feeling like your poem suggests..God bless..valentine

[Gary H]

Very sad and kind of intriguing. The final stanza hits me as more about South Africa than the Boer woman who was in your mind as you painted the poem. Of course, war seems forever destined on the people of the world. Most are unnecessary or are for greed. It is those that the loss of life hits us most. To me the Boer war was a reflection of that and the poem fits nicely into the thoughts.

[None]

Sad but wonderfully written! The emotions hit me throughout! Great poetry!

[Beautifully Tragic xPoe..]

Beautifully written, heartfelt piece.


Great Write
Rayne

[Sally Edwards]

Wonderful Phil, you seem to have captured the essence of her sadness and memories as depicted in the beautiful painting. Lovely imagery and I like that you mention hope, we all need that. It brought a tear to my eye.

[Catrinka]

Wonderful imagery, depicts the loss of war, but ends with an element of hope that time will heal the loss - a great write - KUDOS! Again, the last stanza ties it all together...very nice!

[Amor-de-angel]

Beautiful words and flow.