His Stormless Smile

Written in honor of the victim of a crime.

an innocent smile

graces his face of pure love

in a state of silent repose,

his breaths posing no threat,

until

in an invisible

sliver of time,

rabid bursts of flame

fragmentize the walls around him,

pulverizing

him to

the precipice of

death.

his smile severed,

his blood spilled,

into an injudicious coma.

targeted by dragon-skinned shadows,

under pretense 

of law enforcement.

and yet, beneath the fiery fusillade,

the cracks,

the black of dissolution,

his stormless smile

survives, and

breathes essentia

of peace...

it is that smile,

the inner love,

that heals his wounds

and revives his body

to the moment

called

now.

Author's Note

This is based on a true story.

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

powerful message of victory in love :) love that .. being victimized by those meant to protect is thrice tragic .. as children victimized by parents .. horrible events .. not only a victim but betrayed as well .. hot topic Eric .. especially in our world of cameras everywhere .. you saved the best for last bringing focus to that eternal now we exist in .. i enjoyed the read .. thanks for sharing this!
E.

[Eric Pudalov]

Thanks so much Einstein! I haven't been on WC in quite awhile, so it's refreshing to see your review. What inspired this poem was a news story about a SWAT team throwing a stun grenade into a family's home and severely injuring their baby. It's a blessing that he survived...I hope that we can help prevent such stories in the future. Thank you for reading it!

[Lyn Anderson]

Wow. Powerful stuff here. Broken and damaged, maimed, scarred, but somehow survives.

[Eric Pudalov]

Thanks KL! I'm glad you thought so. In truth, I was inspired to write this by a recent incident that I read about in the news. I just withheld the name of the victim out of respect for him and the family.

[Ruth]

Moved me, deeply...the inner love never dies, gets dimmer and numbed but never dies, that this is based on truth, hits home even more. A poignant message Eric, one that made me think, excellent piece! x

[Eric Pudalov]

Thanks very much, Poppy!! As you said, I really believe that "inner love never dies." I know many horrible things happen to us in our lives, but I think that inner love and peace will always be there nonetheless. Glad you liked the poem!

[BlackRose]

Vivid but well told piece. In pain and all there is yet that speck of hope, a a light peeking through of a willingness to survive. Marvelously done.

[Eric Pudalov]

Thanks Rose!!! Yes, I believe there is that speck of hope even in the worst of times and circumstances.

[BlackRose]

Much welcome my friend.

[BlackRose]

Yes, even in those times.

[Eric Pudalov]

This is beautifully and intensely written Eric, I am in awe, of your skills. I can feel the almost "death" experience here, and the faith, and hope, the light on the end, where the victim seems to find power, to survive.... and where there is "still hope" in the now, the rest of the days. Such a strong piece.

- Elisa

[Eric Pudalov]

Thank you very much Ellie!! It's good to hear from you again! I, too, have been away for a bit - I suppose there's poetry of yours I haven't read! :-)

Heya Eric, aw, good to hear from you too! we were both in a hiatus then... (sometimes, I just need those little breaks, to gain new inspiration, and it works...) yes I think there are a few, but hey, no rush, feel comfy first at the cafe again, I know there is a lot to catch up on >.< lol :D
Hope all is well my dear friend... And you are welcome, I will slowly come by for more. -xx-

[Eric Pudalov]

Yes, all is well, Ellie! Thanks for asking. Speaking of which, we had talked about doing a collaboration awhile back...are you still into that idea?? I came across the first "half" in my journal the other day and thought of you!

Sounds still great, you know where to find me, send it to me there. I will talk to you as soon as I can, on the road right now, back later this night. Would be fun indeed, take care friend...