Child of Conflict

small hands fit tight in pockets

he stands alone beside a freshly dug

makeshift grave

.

blue hooded anorak provides

minimal protection against bitterly

cold winds

.

boots caked in thick mud

his grey trousers dirt stained

eyes wide open full moon misting

.

never again to see her warm smile

or to feel her loving embrace

when in need of comfort

.

today's reality strikes

bullet like into the hearts

of those with compassion

.

a child of six left bereft

his mother gone while brutality

and savagery live on 

Reviews

[Aura]

A casualty of war. Life lost, while savagery soars. It's heartbreaking when those lives are lost, as a result of conflicts that others more powerful than the average citizen can't resolve themselves, in this poem, a child lost his dear mother, someone they cared alot about, and someone who cared about them. How will their lives ever be the same again? What good ever comes out of war?? Nothing. Yet, we continue to have it all because of greed, conflict,that powerful people are too childish to resolve themselves and responsibly. A candid read.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Aura, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree with all you have said. A tragedy with immense consequences. I appreciate your review and visit.

Chris

[Aura]

My pleasure.

[John the Baptist]

This has the sound of a real occurrence. The killer is disposing of the evidence in a makeshift grave, probably thinking this is the end of it. But with the advances in DNA technology, he may find he was mistaken, even if it is a couple of decades down the road.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your thoughts John. It was a true event. The boy’s mother was killed in Ukraine just under two years ago. The poem was inspired by a photograph in a newspaper. It moved me so much to see that little boy standing over his mother’s grave.

Chris

[Arundass TP]

Excellent writing. Certainly picturesque.loved it reading

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Arundass for your encouraging review.

Chris

[Soren]

Vivid imagery of a sad picture that tugs at the heart. Well organized and presented it paints the picture of the damage that war leave behind.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you my friend. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Neville]

Regardless of where this may have happened and where similar things do happen and on a much larger scale you have portrayed a vivid picture of it & the dreadful consequences that sadly live on .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Early days of Ukraine and now we see the suffering on a much larger scale in other places. It is difficult to take in. Many thank yous Neville for checking this older poem out.

Chris

[Neville]

I remember it only too well .. I haven't washed my old 501's .. lest I should ever .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

———————-💜

[Temperance]

Such a sad poem, Chris, but, don't you know this image is occurring in Ukraine as war savages its towns. To truly see this is to truly accept that it is an event that is happening in our lifetime. Another reasons why the Angels Wept! This one tugs at the heart-strings. Sad but, nicely done. Temp

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Temp. I wrote this poem after seeing a photograph in the newspapers of a young boy in Ukraine. Broke my heart it did, to see that little boy guarding his mother's makeshift grave. He won:t be the last either. So sad. Appreciate you for stopping by.

Chris

[lightsong]

I can easily see this in wars, the reality in your lines is bitter and brutal as wars. The title says it all. unfortunately the painful, and tough journey begins. I only hope for each child who is in the same situation like this, to find and have people around them who can understand, care and love them unconditionally.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear lightsong, I hope too that there are people with tender hearts who will comfort the orphaned children. Such a sad situation. Thank you dear poet for stopping by.

Chris

[lightsong]

There are people with tender Hearts like yours ❤️

[Chris Shaw]

You are a gem :)

[lightsong]

So YOU are 💎

[Lisasview]

Good morning dear Chris,
Happened upon this ever so sad poem... such a good write... I felt I was standing there with this person...who turned out to be a child.
Your thoughts moved smoothly throughout...
Lisa, early here in Spain

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Lisa. Appreciate you reading and leaving your thoughts. Hope all is good with you. I have been having a very busy week. Not much time for poetry at the moment. Happy Friday to you.

Chris

[Lisasview]

We are so very welcome.
My week is so busy too.
At the gym working out
Now on the bike reading reviews, etc.
Lisa

[Chris Shaw]

Have fun :)....

[Betty Hermelee]

I am thinking of all the children in Ukraine who lost their parents wh have not even been identified, but instead thrown in mass graves or makeshift graves.But young children lose their parents, not in war, but in peacetime too. The know love, but they don't understand death. Your poem is expressive and has very vivid, though sad imagery. Well done Chris!
Best, B

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Betty. So many children and you are right, it's not just as a result of war. Tragic that so many youngsters suffer in this way. Thank you for stopping by.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Of course, and you're welcome Chris!
Best, B

[Bryan Sefton]

The description in this poem needs no photograph to illustrate it. It brings out every parents compassion. The many children going through this very chilling situation is a testament to the insanity that can materialise in a seeming blink of an eye. While writing this a news broadcast has just told of the the huge rise in child abuse over here. I think I'll go and hide from the world. Thanks Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes, I have days like that too Bryan. You just want to hide and cut yourself away from all the suffering. Thank you for stopping by. You are appreciated.

Chris