Out of Ashes

do not go to Lidice

unless your heart is strong

else it will break in pieces

for standing taller than in life

varying in size, build and height

eighty two children cast in bronze

a monument to defy what took place

a village emptied in its entirety 

razed to the ground in reprisal

should you dare look further

into those haunted innocent faces 

you will see, confusion, misery

no teddy bear comfort there

little hands clutch elder siblings

in bewildered despair

do not go to Lidice

unless your heart is strong

do not go there

Reviews

[Lorry]

Had to look up the name and came across a page with such impact for its brevity, just like you have done here.
It said they tried to wipe it out of existence and failed, asit has been fully restored as a memorial and that many places across the globe now share its name in a show of unity.
A beautiful gesture that defies the hatred once visited upon them.
I think I'll give it a miss Chris, but beautifully penned.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Lorry. Pleased you looked it up and know the full story of what took place there. It's important we don't forget what happened. The least I could do was write a poem.

Chris

[moog-drika]

I googled about Lidice since I had no idea about such incident. And subsequently it weakened my heart. The monument is disturbing, the whole story feels disturbing. As for the poetry, it stirred my mind. It beautifully captured the true spirit of an upsetting story through the words. Great!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear moog-drika, thank you for researching this one out. We should not let them be forgotten. A sad reminder of how cruel our species is. All good wishes.

Chris

[Unspoken poet]

Wow, almost sounds dreadful to go there. nicely written

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Kay - T. I know I couldn't visit because I absorb negativity very easily. I would find it overwhelming. What took place there though needs to be remembered. The least I can do is write a poem to those lost souls.

Chris