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If They Could See Your Soul

Her name is Aunica, 
To some she is just another face
In an ordinary place
Another individual, of habit, manner, and style
An elderly stout woman whose brown face
Bares the stamp of her ethnicticity



Amongst the hustle of others in a small café
She is the quiet old lady whom labors away
In a back room filled by the monotony of everyday
Routines, her hands are coarse, yet strapping, 
Unto an average customer, she saunters about
Replacing silverware and plates
But goes virtually unnoticed by most



Except for one, who sees beyond
Weary eyes and a worn black apron
For if only they could see your soul, 
There would be a cloud of sorrow 
And an ever present shadow of despair



When cities in  your homeland Serbia 
Violently collapsed due to prolonged warfare
And conflicts, your heart plummeted  to the bottom
Of your being along with it, 
A city now converted into mounds of ash
And ascending clouds of smoke



Memories of a life, you once had
Are now swept away aimlessly
By a ruthless and non sympathetic wind
Like those who executed their cruel tyranny
Upon the remnants of your very foundation



Through compassion and understanding
I have acquired eyes that see
You have opened up your home to me
I have eaten in your presence 
And extended unto you an ear
For many stories this woman 
Has shared, these tales I will hold
For her, life has been  truly cold
So now it is known
 
If they could see your soul, 
The fierce light of your courage
Would be ever so blinding
Your determination and inner strength
Are akin to a lions roar
And an aura whose mere presence
Casts a vibration that is piercing 



To the casual eye you are just 
That simple woman whom carries
A tray of plates and smiles
Amid the conversations and 
Cigarette smoke, so for you 
I end appropriatley by emphasizing
What has been said before
IF THEY COULD SEE YOUR SOUL
                                                 
This poem is dedicated to all those have experienced the misfortune and loss 
due to war in some form or another, you will always be remembered.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2006




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Book: Reflection on the Important Things