Loss of Innocence - Flanders Fields
A duck slowly paddles across the still water,
Disturbing the reflection of brooding storm clouds
Above. The pond sits close to the top of the ridge;
Precisely round, there are no streams entering or
Leaving to explain its presence. Cold wind keens
Through the mis-shapen trees nearby; the thin sound
Is haunting, a threnody played by a distant piper.
A gust catches the loose board on a ruined farmhouse,
The sudden bang provoking a startled shiver.
Splashing rain against the cheek awakens dormant
Memories, and the landscape turns barren, a
Wasteland, the pond revealed as a smoking crater.
Vision clears. In the distance, a red poppy marks
Where the defiant piper fell, his lament for himself.
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
