Vigil

Inspired by a man that I used to correspond with, whose family was murdered in the genocide of Rwanda. It's short, but I guess that's okay.

Alone on a hill
He looks to the sky
And whispers to God
A humble “why?”
He looks down upon
What once was his town
All of the houses
Have burned to the ground
Death and destruction
Stench and decay
For the broken man
It’s another day
Of wondering how
With his family gone
He will find the will
To carry on
Nightmares abounding
Will not go away
He drops to his knees
And begins to pray
Alone on the hill
Above a village of one
He weeps alone
In the African sun

Author's Note

Hi Bruce, I'm Scott and I live in Oregon. I used to spend a lot of time here, but took a hiatus for awhile. I've made a commitment to start fresh again, and I saw your contest. This poem was written by me some time ago.......it's simple but heartfelt.....and it rhymes. A friend from Rwanda that I used to talk with online, inspired this after his family was murdered in the mass genocide. Thanks for putting together the contest, Bruce......stay safe and well!

-Scott

Reviews

[Emrick]

so sad,interesting and nice.
its like i was reading a poem of an experienced,famous poet.honestly speaking.

I can imagine the pain.Africa will never unite until the super powers stop interfering with Africa politics.I prefer colonialism era than today,even my mama and the old men in our town think the same.we hate each other,we are jealous of one another and our leaders are corrupt,they act like the country belongs to them.

[BABSIE BEE]

Wonderful. Such easy flow with lots of compassion. One feels very humble after reading this great piece. Thanks for sharing.
BABS XX

[poetic soul]

gentle with words, but kicks real hard! a subtly powerful write.. really moves something deep within.. gr8 job!
liked it a lot.....

Regards,
Poetic Soul

[emmajoy]

Oh my! These are such gently powerful words, they reach right into the mind, create the picture, the scene.

The meter is like a drum beat in a way .. and, those last lines really touch the heart, makes one recall and keep by..

'He drops to his knees
And begins to pray
Alone on the hill
Above a village of one
He weeps alone
In the African sun'

You're a poet for real.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful phrased words and your feelings