Home » Poems » Paul Callus » River of Tears

River of Tears

fleeing from slaughter
as opposing forces
clash for supremacy
innocent blood flows 
on the Euphrates River


[A modern Tanka]
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Sponsor: Rick Parise
© 12th April 2017

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Susan Ashley

December 25, 2017 at 8:46 PM

A powerful and profound poem Paul. It's such a sad and tragic reality for so many innocent people. Your title speaks to the terrible human toll and your write evokes a 'river' of dreadful emotions, sights and sounds.. a terrifying truth poignantly depicted my compassionate friend. Warmest wishes ~Susan

Paul Callus

December 26, 2017 at 11:53 AM

Thank you, Susan. When this poem was written the fighting @ Aleppo was at its worst. It is always the innocent who suffer most. The river is both real and metaphorical. ~ Warm regards // paul

Maria Williams

July 8, 2017 at 3:18 AM

I missed this Tanka too Paul - We were away at this time too. We were away in Hawaii amid the peace and tranquility - why can't people live without bloodshed - of course as you mention - the vested interests. Natural ability is your strong point and so glad it was recognized with an award - Congrats...Maria

Paul Callus

July 10, 2017 at 7:03 AM

Your travels bring you much inspiration, Maria; I remember how your muse bloomed in Hawaii :) Thank you for reading and commenting on this poem. Regards // paul

Kim Rodrigues

April 26, 2017 at 7:01 AM

You have a grand way with words, my friend!

Paul Callus

April 26, 2017 at 8:56 AM

I can echo these same words with regards to your own poems, Kim:) Thank you! // paul

Connie Marcum Wong

April 16, 2017 at 1:22 PM

It is so sad that the innocent must die without a choice and through no action of their own. Your poem relates this poignantly in this touching tribute Paul. 7 ; )

Paul Callus

April 16, 2017 at 1:40 PM

The people of Syria need a break; time for a peaceful solution to be found. Unfortunately many have vested interests in what's going on! Thank you for commenting and contributing to raise awareness, Connie. Regards // paul

Andrea Dietrich

April 15, 2017 at 5:15 PM

Great job, Paul. So he is allowing modern ones? I hope I saw he listed some titles. WONder if those were samples of his work for us to see. I gotta check that out. Good luck in his contest.

Paul Callus

April 16, 2017 at 1:31 PM

Hi Andrea...half an hour ago I replied to your comment; now I came back to find that it's disappeared! I'm not sure if he was accepting modern ones, but the contest has been judged and I was awarded for my Natural/Ability:) // paul

Abosede Ogundare

April 13, 2017 at 2:48 PM

This is a deep write paul...

Paul Callus

April 14, 2017 at 10:22 AM

Thank you, Abosede. All the best...paul

Afolabi Muideen

April 13, 2017 at 8:09 AM

You are but a person that feel other's pain. I hope blood shed stop my friend. It happens also in Some areas in Nigeria.

Paul Callus

April 14, 2017 at 4:44 AM

Good morning, Afolabi. Thank you for reading and liking. War and bloodshed make little sense to me, but they must mean something to those who cause them! I pity the innocent ones who are victims of suffering and death. Regards // paul

Afolabi Muideen

April 13, 2017 at 7:55 AM

Really, this flows well in my lung. I love the way this piece was beautifully written.

Lynn Marie

April 12, 2017 at 9:13 PM

So Tragic that this is our world now yet your words vital to begin a discussion, leading to awareness and hopefully Peace so you will be able to write of 'a river of love'. Stark writing, very well done Paul:) lynnxxx