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

Copyright © | Year Posted 2020



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Date: 9/22/2020 11:12:00 AM
Truly a brilliant Haibun. Congratulations on your top-notch win.
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Date: 9/20/2020 9:51:00 AM
Amazing write, Aditi. Congratulations on your first place win. hugs and prayers.
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Date: 9/17/2020 10:42:00 AM
Congratulation on your win. WOW!!! Your wonderful pen was working overtime on this one. Enjoy your win................
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Date: 9/17/2020 9:46:00 AM
The metaphorical beauty and stunning emotions flowing from your golden pen draws me in deeply and willingly to the heart of your poem, Aditi. Your artistry shines in this moving and spectacular piece. Congratulations on your excellent win. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan
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Date: 9/16/2020 11:11:00 PM
abode of warm life melting seashells to spill pearls ~ blue eyes of infant.. Wow.. Congratulation on your wonderful win Aditi.. Fantastic write..
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Date: 8/27/2020 5:13:00 PM
This is remarkable in so many ways; the sadness of war, the longing for a loved one, the mercy upon a wounded enemy, the misery of hatred, the meaninglessness of violence, the compassion for an orphan; all fit together in this amazing tale so poetically told in haibun style. Excellent writing, friend.
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Date: 8/27/2020 4:52:00 PM
Truly exceptional haibuns, Aditi:-) I echo the sentiments of Anne-Lise and Jo, a sure winner!
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Date: 8/27/2020 10:56:00 AM
- A fantastic writing, Aditi ... I became speechless ... - Best wishes in the contest ... it must be a top winning poem :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
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Date: 8/27/2020 3:55:00 AM
A superb story, Aditi, a sure Winner for me:)
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