Orphaned in Limbo

Orphaned in Limbo

little angels

ascend from the smoking

mountains of concrete and brick

mortar

as mortars blast life

into submissive agony

torn apart

bodies

families

in fanatical storm

they rise

so small

so young

still winged for flight

a huge hand reaches down

cradles

up past the clouds

the screaming chorus

ruins

charred tombs

a poet says a prayer

a eulogy is written

in charred metaphor

not clever

just a heart typing out

letters to God

sanctuary spoiled

the spoils of war

the playgrounds

now empty of laughter

which is forever stifled.

erin-cilberto

3/7/22

Reviews

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your poem voices solidarity for many of us here at the Cafe, Jacob. From your pen to God's ears!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Kelly....it is very sad.
j.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I don't understand how one man can dictate and execute such a hate for humanity. It's beyond my comprehension!

[Chris Shaw]

Heartbreaking reality of what is currently being played out before our eyes. The wicked destruction of a sovereign country. The deaths of children, and yesterday I believe the total number of child deaths had reached fifty. All that potential snuffed out. Beautiful children who don't even understand what's going on. Makes you weep. You capture this so well J with this write.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, and I am weeping right along with you, Chris.
j.

[TylerHavoc]

This is deep. Beautiful. I would love to hear your idea on what "Limbo" is to you. I think that is a very common destination that people probably have some very profound ideas about. If I was giving my opinion on Limbo, I would have to say... Limbo relates to that uneasy feeling we often experience where we are just about asleep but we realize we are actually still awake. Such a shock. Like a nuclear explosion of "WhatIfs" In my head. Thank you for sharing this.

Ty

[jacob erin-cilberto]

a caught in between....yes...
thank you for your kind words, Tyler,
j.

[S.zaynab.kamoonpury]

I don't accept or understand any war and this poem is heart-rending on the gruesome way young lives are killed. You expressed in a touching , moving gripping way , the reality on the ground and playgrounds ah. Kudos!

Plz do read and comment my newest poem too.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your review and kind words...and yes, I will visit your newest write.
j.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

This is heartbreaking. I've been watching the refugees from Ukraine with so many small children fleeing from the death and destruction. It literally hurts my soul. This is a poignant and brilliantly crafted representation of the suffering. I'd truly like to say I enjoyed the read but considering the gravitas from which it was penned I shall refrain. Blessings of peace, love and light. F.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, it is so hard watching what is happening there.
I appreciate your understanding,
j.

[M. J. Smith]

And does an even more evil conflagration lie in our near future? My heart cries no! But my nightmares say yes. For our species, like willful fools learns nothing.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I think the nightmares might be correct,
thank you,
j.

[M. J. Smith]

You are most welcome, J. But I pray that they are only nightmares, terrible visions that will fade in the morning light.

[John the Baptist]

You really captured the feelings we have all had since the invasion began. The imagery matches the pictures we are exposed to daily. Yes, the sanctuary has been spoiled. May the sanctions avenge it.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, John,
j.

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Jacob... many of us will never be the same.
There was no Justification for Babies and families young
and old leaving in a Blast of Cruelty. My Heart Bleeds for
the Loss of Life... As a Wise General recently said...
"Someone needs to Stop the Force that Leads the Advancing War...
where no "value" is placed on Human Innocent Lives"... Amen... Pat

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, I sure wish they would,
thank you, Pat,
j.

[Patricia]

Heartbreaking images and in the words, sad and beautiful writing of ugly truths

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Patricia,
j.

[Relic]

How does a poet describe a young boy strewn among the charred rubble next to his bicycle? That's the feeling I get when I see the destruction on news channels.

There's a video tape of a little girl singing her favorite song in the subway where citizens are hiding. I think most of the young ones are oblivious to the dangers they face. Your poem captures the vibe of the rubble, the kids away from playgrounds, and the lost metaphors.

I don't want to see a long war out of this. Putin is an animal. I hope they get him soon.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I saw that video...what a gutsy little girl.
And I agree on the "soon"!
thank you, Relic,
j.