an old warrior's lament

an exercise in haiku

Old warrior’s lament.

 

Past swords all  broken,

Banners lay sodden on earth

All is left  behind.

 

Tall pines kissed by breeze

Purge from my mind and spirit

the scent of old blood

 

I kneel in cold streams

But only the tears of God

may wash my hands clean.

 

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

I found the whole haiku story moving. I can’t imagine killing another soul, and yet the warriors are around to protect the vulnerable. They have a job to do and it must play on their minds. I hope the natural world continues to soothe them and that they are forgiven by their creator.

I have heard many an old soldier with tears in his eyes recalling incidents that have scarred their lives.

There is so much that can be said about this offering. Pleased to have visited and I leave still reflecting on your words of sorrow Julian.

Chris

[Julian]

Your empathy and understanding are so appreciated; I have had a couple of bad days but your words cheer me. It is said that a true warrior never fights because he despises what is in front of him, but because he loves all that rests behind him.

[Cheshire Cat]

This is the first Senryu I have ever read, and I'm glad.
I've read many haikus before, about nature and tranquility, but never have I come across a senryu, let alone about war.
There is a very eerie, raw, impressionistic feel to this work of art, and the last one really spoke to me.
Great read!

[Stu. T.H.]

Such a thrilling tale, and to be told in such an elegant format, and to think I haven't come across this work of yours sooner, truly I let a gem slip past my eyes. A brilliantly penned work with motioning imagery, author Julian. I'll be sure to come by to visit your work more often even on these busy days.

[Ken Simm.]

Speaking as a painter I find this whole atmospheric poem haunting and visual.

[Starbaby]

I am also partial to the third Senryu, the cleansing of the sins by a higher power. Fabulous in its imagery.

[Julian]

As always, your visit is a blessing; I hope that things are well with you and yours, now and always.

[John the Baptist]

I really liked the imagery in this one. It speaks spiritual truth, in that we must let the past go. All the swords and banners. The last verse is particularly powerful, for it states that we can be cleansed by a Higher Power. Well done.

[Julian]

Your words, as always, are both kind and uplifting. Thank you.

[FGFRANKLIN]

These are noble efforts. The poems fit together well as a surreal tale of forgotten combat. Great to read.

[Julian]

thank you so much for reading and for your comment, Have a good week!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I especially like the third senryu...

"the tears of God...tears of sorrow but also of forgiveness."

War never solves anything...only leads to more bloodshed and more people left behind to mourn.

j.

[Julian]

thank you so much- and that one line that you used- tears of sorrow but also forgiveness - is deeply moving and profound,