Houses of the Holy

Houses of the Holy

 

 

shelling

 

shelling and

 

more shelling

 

turtles scatter as they can

 

old tortoises that have lived through much

 

but the shelling

 

won't stop

 

and the turtles' shells

 

are in pieces

 

and scatter as they will

 

a slow life

 

an instant death

 

and still, more shelling

 

we could learn from these creatures

 

to mind our own business

 

and seek the warmth and peace

 

of scattered sunlight

 

far, far away

 

from the shelling.

 

 

erin-cilberto

10/30/23

Reviews

[AYVID N]

A turtle is so non-confrontational. It retreats into its shell if perceived a threat. I loved the wordplay here. It's so clever, with the dual meaning. We don't need the shelling, we don't need any kind of shelling. Let everyone live, let everyone have what is rightfully theirs. If one human being dies unjustly, it's a blot on us all.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I sure agree with your review. thank you, Divya,
j.

[hayzed]

We pray for peace to take over soon

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, and then the turtles can walk free among the humans and neither would have to worry about getting shelled.
Thank you, hayzed,
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Tortoises and turtles live long and peaceful lives minding their own business. Keeping themselves to themselves until our species changes all that. Your thoughts are far from the peace and tranquility of your home, they are on the Gaza Strip where all the shelling and destruction is taking place. When will we ever learn.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

And those turtles carry their own houses on their back.
Thank you for your understanding words, Chris,
j.