Death and Destruction

Having been a journalist for the past forty years, now ready to make my final accord, I had to cover this one last story.  My days have been long, and my shuteye has been short.  In a small village with a population of a few hundred people, I stopped in the only tavern there to interview some of the patrons. The old rustic looking place had every window broken and no doors left standing. Seeing the faces of the patrons when I stopped in almost told the stories of what they have been witnessing the past few weeks. Most everyone seemed to be shellshocked and afraid. Little talking and silence filled the atmosphere, with the exception of some loud outbursts from the tavern's owner. "Free brew for everyone" he continually shouted! As you can imagine, there was "SRO" (standing room only). So, that being said, it was easy for me to interview most everyone. Everyone had their own versions of what they had witnessed, yet they all seemed very similar. "Death and destruction, death and destruction, death and destruction over and over. I went through a box of tissues hearing their sobbing stories. Again, the owner shouted out- "Free brew for everyone" he gave it out until every last drop of his unique home-made beer with cinnamon and cocoa had been drenched from his kegs. Never had I ever tasted such a fine beer before. it was sadly enjoyable, because I assumed it would be the last of it made for a very long time. "What do you call this wonderful tongue-taster I asked the tender/owner" He replied- My friend, I call it "Death and Destruction"

it was a fine beer 
sadness and tears filled their mugs  
death and destruction
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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12
Caliri Avatar
November 19, 2023 at 6:08 PM
This was a fun, descriptive ride through a war-torn area. Loved the POV of this journalist experiencing the setting. Nice work!
Rodrigues Avatar
October 19, 2023 at 3:54 AM
Wow! What a fantastic write, Charles! Congratulations on POTD!
Bangalee Avatar
October 15, 2023 at 9:46 PM
wow great hibun; fascinating poetic expression; I enjoyed truly the expression; congrats for the POD
Gentile Avatar
October 12, 2023 at 11:50 AM
A fascinating write Charlie! So sorry I missed at POTD but better late than never, add my congratulations to the list of kudos!! The imagery is haunting!!
Meadows Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 11:52 PM
Congratulations on your POTD. Well written.
Messina Avatar
October 10, 2023 at 4:18 AM
Thank you, Jeanette :)
Nicole Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 7:31 PM
Dear Charles, there's so much noise at the beginning and in the middle of your story. I thought a fight was sure to break out, only to find at the end- "It's fine beer." Sad tears filled their mugs, of "death and destruction." So many emotions within, indeed. Congratulations my dear friend, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy
Messina Avatar
October 10, 2023 at 4:23 AM
In troubled times, anger can cause many to brawl, especially whilst drinking beer. But this beer "Death and Destruction" is surely a peacemaker :) Thank you so much, Brandy. Hugs to you too! Charlie
Ray Choudhury Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 4:44 PM
Congratulations, Dear Charlie, a perfect Haibun with powerful thoughts. Best wishes ~ Mala
Messina Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:38 PM
Thank you, Mala :)
Allison Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 2:29 PM
such a powerful piece Charlie, many congrats on POTD:-) hugs Jan xx
Messina Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:38 PM
Thanks Jan...hugs :) xx
La France Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 1:47 PM
Charlie, wow, wonderful writing, deeply emotional and congratulations on receiving the POEM OF THE DAY honor.
Messina Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:39 PM
Thank you, Constance :)
One Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 12:46 PM
Congrats on POTD my friend.
Messina Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:39 PM
Thank you, S1 :)
Delaney Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 12:41 PM
Congratulations, Charles, on your poem being chosen POTD. Sure hits close to the present day situation in Israel. Well done, SuZ
Delaney Avatar
October 10, 2023 at 4:00 AM
Oops Charles. Sorry I typed Tom . I have corrected it.
Messina Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:40 PM
Thank you, SuZ. Sending prayers their way :(
Goldsmith Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 11:43 AM
Congratulations on Your POTD win. A wonderful write/story. The beer had the right name. Have a blessed day writing away............
Messina Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:40 PM
Thank you, Paula :)
Slaughter Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 11:34 AM
I'm not a big fan of "flavored" beer, but this one sounds pretty good...but what was the disaster it was named for? An intriguing read and a great choice for POTD, Charles.
Messina Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:44 PM
Thank you, Jim. Neither am I (lol) but I agree, this beer might taste good! As for the disaster...your guess is as good as mine...I wrote it for a contest prompt. Surprised to see it potd! Made my day :)
Parker Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 10:58 AM
POTD worthy 2 b sure! Congrats, CM.
Messina Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:45 PM
Thank you, Arlo :)
Anaya Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 10:55 AM
Back with congratulations on your POTD Charlie Messina! Well-deserved, enjoy your day.
Messina Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:46 PM
Thanks for the congrats and return visit, Anaya. Much appreciated. :)
Elless Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 10:04 AM
Charles, Congratulations on Your POTD. I think this a great story. Powerful meaning. And they party on. Keep Rolling.
Messina Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:47 PM
Thank you, R.J. Much appreciate your comment and visit. Party on, roll on :)
M  Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 8:15 AM
Congratulations Charlie!! Debx
Messina Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:47 PM
Thank you, Deb :)
May Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 7:28 AM
Congrats on POTD Charles
Messina Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:48 PM
Thank you, Joseph :)
Poet Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 7:00 AM
Back with hearty congratulations on your well deserved POTD, Charlie. Enjoy your honor
Messina Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:48 PM
Thanks for the congrats and the return visit Lasaad. :)
Fowler Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:59 AM
Tickled me and made me smile Charlie. Congratulations on POTD! :)
Messina Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:49 PM
Happy to make you smile, Linda :) Thanks so much!
Baker Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:55 AM
Back to congratulate you for your POTD, Charlie! Enjoy your day of recognition. my friend. Bill
Messina Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:50 PM
Thanks for the return visit and Congrats, Bill. Much appreciated :)
Pandit Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:02 AM
BIG congrats on POTD, Charlie. A creative write. Enjoy your special day today, my friend.
Messina Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:50 PM
Thank you, Vijay :)
Buhagiar Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 5:58 AM
Congratulations on your POTD. Blessings.
Messina Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:51 PM
Thank you, Victor. Blessings :)
Lawless Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 5:33 AM
a drink to ease the pain and suffering of war.....aptly named....and sadly re-brewed too often. Beautifully written yet sadly true
Messina Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:53 PM
Thanks, John. Indeed...Cheers, my friend :)
Wolf Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 4:38 AM
Wipe that foam off your smile, Messina! lol. Excellent stuff! Congrats on POTD! ~ Gershon
Messina Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 6:54 PM
Thanks G.W., but not yet...I'm still drinking. hehe :)
12
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