A Drop of Sacrifice

For a long time, the northern sea unleashed fear in the hearts of the residents living close to the coastline. The hazardous hurricanes of war riding the chariot of whirlpools swooshed everything in their vicinity to the depths of slimy water. mighty Poseidon twirling whips of ocean waves in piercing war zone With serene Spring winds, the war subdued. Expectant families awaited their loved ones from battles. A few arrived safely, others wounded or dead, yet others never did. Only their belongings in wreckage of storms and war washed up to the shores. stoned eyes gaze afar pour agony in darkness awaiting a dawn Her moist eyes gleamed with hope till sundown and her shivering feet traced the footprints of strangers to find her beloved husband among the survivors of war. She wondered if her husband would be lost forever as the last ships reached the shore. hopes turn into fears trace footprints of time on sand ~ survivors of war One gloomy morning her hopes soared with tides again as a group of fishermen claimed they'd found a warrior. A wave of surprise and sadness flowed through her veins. His amputated right leg now left a spot on sand instead of his footprint. tides of joyous sun flickered in anxious gallops ~ alive yet damaged Her transient shock drowned in immense happiness as she embraced him. It felt safe to be in his arms like a pearl would sleep in peace inside the seashell. He'd brought a gift. An infant looked at her with curious blue eyes to melt her heart! abode of warm life melting seashells to spill pearls ~ blue eyes of infant He narrated how they had fought valiantly before he got separated from his company. His wounds were healed by a kind woman from the enemy clan who lived with her baby. on red battlefield courage and kindness survive ~ elixir for wounds Destiny turned upside down when they were attacked by an enemy soldier for safekeeping him. The woman breathed her last with a sword pierced through her heart. He lost his leg before he could kill the monstrous man and save her child. He realized humanity supersedes hatred and wars turn living warriors into frozen corpses. The child was a reminder of the woman's sacrifice and a ray of hope. His wife caressed tiny fingers which clasped hers and joy melting her agony, a drop of sacrifice danced in carousels of love on sand. black wars of hatred melt in drops of sacrifice ~ clasping nascent love August 25, 2020 Let the Pens Flow - Haibun Poetry Contest Sponsor: Jenish Somadas