Internal flicker fed my hope
20 December 2024

The blackbirds flying oh so high
over war torn landscapes they sigh
wings forming black waves in the sky
They replicate patterns on Earth

The world hurled out its wayward grief
It seemed there just was no relief
I looked at it in disbelief
Would I withstand what was in store?

I lay low in the leafy grass
body weighted like solid brass
eyes peering through the looking glass
would tomorrow hold new meanings?

My heart survived the black dismay 
I kept the gloomy thoughts at bay
I piled upon me yellow hay
to make believe in new sunrise

Sun’s pallor shone at languid pace 
to serve a day of deep disgrace
when men their horrors would not face
so the innocent paid the price

A thousand children were our shame
most surely we are all to blame
we saw them fall to deadly flame
now rubble and tears fill our hearts

I lift a world of red ember
a weight more than I remember
In a cold night of December
internal flicker fed my hope

Written in the context of Ronovan writes Ovi Poetry challenge using the word "remember" as inspiration. For the rules and more poems, please follow this link https://ronovanwrites.com/2024/12/18/ovi-poetry-challenge-79-remember-is-your-inspiration/ 

Reading of the poem:

Emel Mathlouthi - Ma Lkit Official Video