In Her Fathers Arms

The evening star glowing in a dust choked sky. A girl stands by a window, with a tear in her eye. She stares at the scene, hardly visible through the grime. She whispers in the wind, “Bring my Dad home this time” She opens the window, and climbs outside, Having a flashlight, in her hand, as her guide. Its glow shows the sides of the street. She’s afraid for what the light will meet Bodies piled everywhere she turns, She wants to go home, and never return. What brought this fate upon her town? All her emotions are stripped and torn down. A frightening sound explodes in her ear. Shadows in the road now appear. She run and hides behind a broken wall Praying to god the rest doesn’t fall. Footsteps coming closer to her She can’t tell who because it’s all a blur She backs away further so not to be seen in light, Quieting her heart pounding from fright. Gun shots and screams fill the air, All these sounds, her ears couldn’t bear. A slight whimper slips from her lips, And over the broken stone she trips. The shadows run closer, showering her heart with fear, She wishes they would just disappear. They pass by her; she fills with delight, She just wants to see her dad tonight. She shines the light, to show her place, And to the shine comes a familiar face. She doesn’t understand who’s to blame Because on the tag shows her father’s name. She holds in her tears and refrains from crying. She falls to the ground where her dad was lying. She lifts his arm and buries her face in his chest. She closes her eyes wanting to forget the rest. The shadows emerge yet she doesn’t see, How close the end for her would be. They look down at her, aim, shoot, and fire. Being with her dad is her only desire. The night had ended causing a little girl harm But she took her last breath, in her father’s arms.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

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Suzadail Jr. Avatar
August 17, 2009 at 6:12 PM
Super poem. Congrats Candice. Vince
Jordan Avatar
August 14, 2009 at 10:07 PM
Candice - wow - what can one say about that - amazing - Congrats on placing in the contest - God Bless, MJ
Johnson Avatar
August 14, 2009 at 3:10 PM
This truly brings war homve as the monster it is. Thank you Candice for writing it and congratulations on your win. Joyce
Mason Avatar
August 14, 2009 at 2:17 PM
Powerful write here Candice!! Like the perspective it is written from ... congratulations on your win in the contest.
Brown Avatar
August 14, 2009 at 7:59 AM
Congratulations on your win in Deborah's contest Candice. Love, Carol
Lewis Avatar
August 14, 2009 at 6:00 AM
Congratulations for your winning poem. TL
Richards Avatar
August 13, 2009 at 5:48 PM
Congratulations on this winning poem. Terribly sad and heart wrenching! well deserved win! ~ Carrie
Higgins Avatar
August 13, 2009 at 2:45 PM
Congrats on your win
Fraser Avatar
May 4, 2009 at 2:19 PM
I just had to read this a few times, what a beautifully worded and sad poem, you have written a Gem here Candice. Its going straight to my fave poems, Wow. James,x
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