An Offering of Poppies

His family stays after the burial of his body. They linger at his grave site, each one lost in their own thoughts of the beautiful young man who gave his life for them and for country. Each one remembers their own special moments with this man whose potential had once seemed so boundless.

 To the war he was forced to go despite his  abhorrence for violence and despite the foreboding that followed him there to that crazy place where sanity was forsaken amidst pandemonium. At times he stood among sentries whose occasional  shots into the dark reverberated beneath a pall of dread and uncertainty.  At other times he witnessed inconceivable horror as blood-sprayed children wailed, kneeling over the torn bodies of their siblings or parents. Long after he had returned to his post, their cries would linger in his mind throughout the night.  Sometimes he was forced to take part in random missions of attacks though he rarely pulled the trigger on his gun. He did not  have to go often into chaos because, sadly, the blast of a bomb claimed his life early on.

 Crimson his blood spilled onto the ground that day as the clamor all around him faded away. . . His mother now lays an offering of  bright red poppies on his grave.
 
utter peacefulness
where his broken body rests. . .
the sentries are trees
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Mckeithan Avatar
June 19, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Wonderful take on Blowin in the Wind Andrea. I like how you tied the death of a soldier with the intent of the song. Congrats on your placement in my contest
Hind Avatar
February 15, 2025 at 5:55 PM
"utter peacefulness where his broken body rests. . . the sentries are trees" absolutely says it all
Sergi Avatar
May 26, 2019 at 10:30 AM
Hi Andrea: Congratulations on a very poignant but powerful Halibun!
Callus Avatar
May 25, 2019 at 5:05 AM
Abhorrence for violence, especially war, reflects what many people express, but politics, greed, and hatred always seem to have it their way. I enjoyed your Haibun, irrespective of what anyone might think. ~ congratulations on placing first. [When I went to enter my poem I found that the contest had closed. ] Regards // paul
Godwin Avatar
May 24, 2019 at 9:16 PM
You are wasting breath and intelligently presented information on Crowe; he doesn't seek enlightenment but to stir trouble - you respond, he's sated. Your writing is beautiful, dramatic and stirring - all the best ingredients. Haibuns require time some readers don't have but this is worth making time for. I came up with nada for his themes - zip. Admirable writing, Sweetie! Love, CayCay
Godwin Avatar
May 24, 2019 at 11:06 PM
now I'm appropriately verklempt and want a hug
Dietrich Avatar
May 24, 2019 at 9:50 PM
You are a jewel, Caycay. Nobody could have a better friend than I have in you.
Lawless Avatar
May 24, 2019 at 5:26 PM
beautiful treatment of the horror and aftermath of war. Fittingly done on Memorial Day....
Ibeh Avatar
May 24, 2019 at 4:41 PM
Stunning, powerful imagery in this poignant, excellent piece, Andrea:-) Congratulations on your top win in my contest!
Dietrich Avatar
May 24, 2019 at 6:52 PM
thanks so much, Edward. I greatly appreciate it.
Messina Avatar
May 17, 2019 at 8:04 AM
This is so good, Andrea. Great Haibun and write. Good luck in the contest. :)
Horne Avatar
May 9, 2019 at 1:43 PM
wow, love this, my friend - very moving
Andresen Avatar
May 9, 2019 at 1:16 PM
- This writing could well have been a true story ... it shows the true face of the war, Andrea - Winner wishes for you in the contest - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Pandit Avatar
May 9, 2019 at 7:18 AM
Many mothers everywhere can relate to this pain of loss you describe, Andrea..sad but real as life sometimes tends to be.
Kiser Avatar
May 9, 2019 at 3:55 AM
A powerful reminder of what war is really like; I wish governments would realize what they do with their money-wars. I dont suppose that they rally care, though. A sad pen but, well done.
Mchattie Avatar
May 8, 2019 at 9:12 PM
War is indeed an ugly thing. Think of the art and music and poetry that never will be written by those now gone. So sad. Have a good night my friend.
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