Carolyn Devonshire Poet Verse

Notes About The Poem

It's difficult to watch the news when there are images of children in war-torn countries.  In this poem, Paul Callus and I contrast the lives of two children. Paul wrote about Judy, who lives in a peaceful country, and I wrote of Rami, who struggles to survive in a warring nation.  Perhaps one day all children will be able to live in peace.  

Children of War and Peace - Written With Paul Callus

Washed and smartly dressed in school uniform
Judy tucks into her healthy breakfast
while watching cartoons on television.
Her mother smiles. Outside the sun shines bright.
 
     Rami wakes to sounds of jets overhead.
     He pulls his worn blanket tight to his chest
     afraid to look outside and see the dead.
     His nation torn and by tyrants oppressed.
 
A friend’s birthday party awaits Judy.
With present in hand she knocks at the door;
already, music fills the evening air.
She’s greeted by hugs and happy faces.
 
     Wails of crying mothers fill sooty air.
     Where did Rami’s go? She’s been gone so long.
     Each day he offers for her a prayer,
     knowing well she would want him to stay strong.

Excited, she tugs at her father’s hand
as she watches the colored lights around
the fair grounds. Nibbling at her candyfloss,
she makes a mental note of the fun rides.
 
     Will there be food today, food he can share?
     It’s his duty to care for another.
     He crawls through litter, finds the wee one there,
     but cold is the body of his brother.
 
Today it was a public holiday
and Judy’s parents took her to the beach.
A lovely day has now come to an end.
Judy’s mother gives her a goodnight kiss.
 
     With family gone, Rami takes up arms.
     They’re readily available to all.
     It matters not to him which side he harms;
     in battle Rami is willing to fall.
 
Judy falls asleep in her cozy bed
as her mum softly sings a lullaby.
A fleeting smile lights up her peaceful face.
She dreams of life’s delights, cuddles and love.
 
     To a staccato rhythm bullets fire
     as Rami dashes from the ragged tent.
     Of Rami’s fate nobody will inquire;
     for war’s children, none are left to lament.

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John Castellenas July 2, 2018 at 9:36 PM Powerful and worthwhile words. Needed word shared.

Judy Ball February 8, 2017 at 6:01 PM We take so much for granted here and are so wrapped up in our own lives that we seldom give thought to those who have so little and have to struggle each day just to survive. From 1 to 7 this is a 10. Great job here to both of you. God Bless, JB

Darren White February 7, 2017 at 1:10 PM I am a child from a very different sort of 'war', I recognize this. The both of you have written a very sad and very realistic picture here. It's always the children suffering so much.

Paul Callus January 31, 2017 at 4:32 PM Hi Carolyn. Sorry for taking long to come visit our co-write; have been unintentionally away from Soup for some days. Thank you for asking me to mix ink with you. I am pleased that the topic you came up with has received such lovely comments. // I still have some unanswered mail to see to, but that has to wait till tomorrow...it's cold and I'm off to bed!! Hugs // paul

Jan Allison January 30, 2017 at 5:26 PM such a sad contrast Carolyn and Paul the interwoven verses make such a powerful read my congrats to you both on another wonderful collaboration:-) hugs Jan xx

Connie Marcum Wong January 29, 2017 at 11:42 PM I was very moved by the sad contrast between the two children. You and Paul created a wonderful poem together. It was easier to read the fun times with Judy as they helped to break up the sadness of Rami and arranging it that way kept me from weeping. Outstanding work from you both! 7 ; )

Andrea Dietrich January 28, 2017 at 6:59 PM oh, and a seven.

Andrea Dietrich January 28, 2017 at 6:59 PM wow, CArolyn, you and Paul really made a very fine duet together. I loved this. Were you the one writing about Judy? Such a sad contrast this is. I like your comment about building bridges and not walls. Too bad Trump doesn't care about making the whole world great. Carolyn Devonshire January 29, 2017 at 1:45 PM Thanks, Andrea. I wrote about Rami and Paul wrote about Judy. I had this image of a boy I'd seen on TV in my mind that was disturbing me. Indeed, bridges are the way to go.

Tim Smith January 28, 2017 at 1:57 PM The contrasts to two different worlds is so extreme. Why can't there be peace. I pray for all the children. Carolyn Devonshire January 28, 2017 at 3:04 PM Pope Frances suggested nations should be trying to build bridges, not walls. With bridges we open lines of community and work together for humanity. I pray each night for peace, Tim.

Jack Horne January 28, 2017 at 9:52 AM a heartfelt & lovely cowrite - you write so well together xx (don't visit my page as i just posted something for your contest)

CayCay Godwin January 27, 2017 at 9:27 PM Dramatic telling of sad truth, the comparison is strongly effective and you'd have to be a robot not to emotionally react. In my head, it played out like a video while I read. This one is hard to shake which means it works! All the best ... CayCay Carolyn Devonshire January 28, 2017 at 11:56 AM CayCay, I can't shake the TV images of children in war. Paul and I really appreciate your comment. I was seeing a "video" in my head while working on this.

Sunlite Wanter January 27, 2017 at 6:22 PM Ohhh! How very poignant, and needed to shock us into gratitude!

Maurice Yvonne January 27, 2017 at 4:51 PM This speaks to my heart. It makes me angry with myself that I can't help these children. It feels like my burden to bear. I love this important write. Definitely a fav and congratulations to two superior poets. Lots Of Love, armand. Carolyn Devonshire January 28, 2017 at 11:58 AM I feel that helpless anger too and it's a heavy burden for those of us who grew up with the benefit of a loving family in a nation at peace. Thank you!