Balveen Cheema Poet Elegy

Posthumous Limelight-Any Sad Poem

Posthumous Limelight

My boy, a young lad, died fighting the Iraq war. 
It could be any war, could be my son,
Your son or anyone's son, what does it matter?
All wars are same, all sons are same.
A lot of decorum, a lot many bravery medals
Came posthumously.
His name was in the newspapers-
Photographs everywhere-
Interviews-cameras-speeches!
Stop! Why can't everyone stop this superfluity?
I didn't ask for it! When did he ask for martyrdom? 
Or for posthumous limelight?
Or a monument in the heart of the city?
Why build it? For your fame? Or his memory?
Nations, why can't your red hot coal hearts 
Promote peace? My boy won't come on holidays-
He is on a perennial holiday!
He lies deep down in the earth to be smothered
By the cruel, cold stone erected above his uniform
And he, my son, in his uniform,
Fought to save some adamant men.
I lost my boy! Do you have memories
Of him laughing with his tilted head?
No one to feel my pain!
No one to see the pillow of my heart
Soaking in bloody tears when his bullet rid body
Was honoured and saluted!
Your war is over and my arms are empty.
I live in this empty house full of his photographs.
My bonnie gave your vengeance peace.
Your ego is fluttering in your triumphant flag.
You have won the war and I have lost the war!


THIRD
October 25, 2015
Contest: Any Sad Poem
Sponsor: Broken Wings

Third-Promote peace not war

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Sandra Haight November 1, 2015 at 3:38 PM Balveen, your poem really stabbed my heart. My son was there too...but one of the lucky ones. I can imagine how you felt while waiting because I remember that was tortuous enough. But when a son pays the ultimate price...I just can't imagine... So sorry for your loss, dear Balveen. You have expressed your sadness so emotionally and deeply. Congratulations on your win in Silent One's contest. Hugs, Sandra

Skat A October 31, 2015 at 12:17 AM Nice win, SKAT Balveen Cheema October 31, 2015 at 6:05 AM Thanks, dear Skat! Balveen

Robert Lindley October 27, 2015 at 7:38 PM Congrats on your win with this fine poem, a tribute to the love for and greatness of a son gone far too soon. War is and always has been pure hell on earth..A7 Balveen Cheema October 31, 2015 at 6:07 AM Thanks Robert for your kind words! Balveen

CayCay Godwin October 24, 2015 at 11:04 PM Heartbreaking, resounding pain amongst grieving parents. Loss of loved ones hurts us all, but there is a special pain when parents lose a child For all the world, a brave soldier died, for parents, a joyous, innocent, child died. Thank you for writing this beautiful elergy and sharing your pain poetically ... CayCay Balveen Cheema October 24, 2015 at 11:47 PM CayCay, how kind of you to read my elegy! Thanks for all your beautiful words! Love, Balveen

Constance La France October 24, 2015 at 5:38 PM Balveen, oh what a heartbreaking write, it truly touched my heart, I hope this wins top place because it is tops for me 7 and thanks for visiting my poem, up in the sky ~~ Balveen Cheema October 24, 2015 at 6:31 PM Thanks for your good wishes, Wings!