Notes About The Poem

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beslan_school_hostage_crisis

Beslan- Russia 2004

Under a free sky — today on a beach in Australia—
I gathered from a white sand beach—ancient, sea-worn shells.

Another world away they gathered up
the siege-worn bodies of their children.

As I rinsed my weathered treasures—
in crystal blue, ocean waves —they were burying their innocents,
lowering them into early graves.

All around me freedom shimmered,
while they—grief stricken—had helpless tears.
Tears that shone on white, shocked cheeks.
I felt the sun warm on my skin—
while they felt the deep chill of evil—mocking them.

I think I know how precious freedom is—
while they are sure of it— as they bury their dreams
with their children.
Children they would have died for.

In the face of such callous cruelty—we feel helpless—
as helpless as they must feel.

Gulls hover above me —like thoughts—
that go out to them on freedom's wings.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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A  Avatar
November 28, 2015 at 1:53 PM
Suzanne, congrats on your win. SKAT
Delaney Avatar
December 30, 2015 at 6:50 PM
Thanks Skat: I am late with my reply but no less appreciative. Hugs, SuZ
Merryman Avatar
November 27, 2015 at 2:03 PM
A stunning write, Suzanne! Congrats on your win!, Love, Kim
Delaney Avatar
December 30, 2015 at 6:52 PM
Kim: I appreciate your comment very much. I have been down with one illness after another but hope to participate more here, Best, SuZ
Lamoureux Avatar
November 27, 2015 at 8:42 AM
Congratulations on a fine win.
Delaney Avatar
December 30, 2015 at 6:53 PM
Thanks for your support Richard: It means a lot to me, SuZ
A. Sharma Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 3:57 AM
Congrats on ur win with this poem Suzanne.. great work!
Delaney Avatar
December 30, 2015 at 6:54 PM
Thanks Dear Dr, Upma: I appreciate all your comments and support. SuZ
A   Avatar
June 8, 2013 at 12:25 PM
Congratulations!!! SUZ, nice to see you on Nates' winning list. By the looks of his winners, it seems as if he's a real picky person.... xox~ Linda
Delaney Avatar
December 30, 2015 at 6:55 PM
Thanks Linda: I felt very honored by Nate's endorsement of my work.Hugs, SuZ
D. Avatar
June 7, 2013 at 8:35 PM
thank you
Delaney Avatar
December 30, 2015 at 7:02 PM
My belated Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the poem, SuZ
Austin Avatar
April 10, 2013 at 7:37 AM
This glaring comparison is what every rich, wasteful, ostentacious person in the world should be thinking about. Great stuff. Love, daver
Delaney Avatar
December 30, 2015 at 7:01 PM
Belatned Thanks Daver: I appreciate you thoughts. Hope all is well in your world. I am battling health problems but one the mend now. Hugs, SuZ
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