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.

[Brenda Sue]

Oh Phil, this is so lovely. The rhythm and flow are perfect. Beautifully penned. Excellent job.

[Nicholas Hallows]

Excellent!
The rhythm is perfect throughout so it reads beautifully.
Good work!
NH