Vanya Evangeline Poet Quatern

Notes About The Poem

The aster is a flower that allegedly symbolize valor, wisdom, and faith/loyalty--virtues that are most tested during times of war. I was thinking of the Imjin Wars (1592-1598) when I wrote this, but I left the details vague enough so that it doesn't have to be tied to that specific campaign. Human history has seen too many pointless wars and campaigns that only sparked due to a few individuals' pride and greed, but is unfortunately paid for by the innocents caught in the crossfire.

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As the Aster Blossoms Fade to Gray

As the aster blossoms fade to gray
A thousand-strong fleet trespass upon a bay
Their leader sought to be the Lord of hosts
To wage this war he spared no cost

Then winter knell takes autumn's breath away
As the aster blossoms fade to gray
The grain has gone, the fight must cease
But sacred honour stands in the way of peace

Factions fracture with murmurs of mutiny
Under solemn oaths, they sacrifice Fidelity
As aster blossoms fade to gray
And leaves stain scarlet with the blood they pay

Ambitions die, no more can proud men boast
But innocence! They suffered most--
Forgotten, in unknown graves they lay
As the aster blossoms fade to gray

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Dexter Greener April 28, 2025 at 11:08 PM It is well written to bring out images of your vision and intent; it flows beautifully. Well done! Vanya Evangeline May 1, 2025 at 11:31 PM Thank you!

Zyrool Gifford April 14, 2025 at 3:35 AM Hello Vanya, I have enjoyed reading your beautifully written poem. Very touching. Wishing you a wonderful new week ahead. Vanya Evangeline May 1, 2025 at 11:31 PM Thanks so much.

Susan Ashley March 10, 2025 at 9:47 PM Dear Vanya, your poem is filled with tenderly expressed poignant beauty. The repeating verse fits perfectly into each stanza and resonates with the sad, bloody, deadly tolls of war where, indeed, “innocence” suffers most. Your golden pen spills with potent poetic finesse. Congratulations for your success in Sara’s contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan Vanya Evangeline March 10, 2025 at 10:00 PM Thanks, Susan. I originally wanted to write a quatern, but couldn't fit the syllable count, so I classified it as simply a quatrain (since I decided the rhyme and imagery was more important than the syllable) while steel keeping the chorus and 4-stanza format.