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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One Tanka - Old or New
Sponsor: Rick Parise
© 12th April 2017

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Susan Ashley

Date: 12/25/2017 8:46:00 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
Date: 12/26/2017 11:53:00 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

Date: 7/8/2017 3:18:00 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
Date: 7/10/2017 7:03:00 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

Date: 4/26/2017 7:01:00 AM

You have a grand way with words, my friend!

Paul Callus
Date: 4/26/2017 8:56:00 AM

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

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 4/16/2017 1:22:00 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
Date: 4/16/2017 1:40:00 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

Date: 4/15/2017 5:15:00 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
Date: 4/16/2017 1:31:00 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

Date: 4/13/2017 2:48:00 PM

This is a deep write paul...

Paul Callus
Date: 4/14/2017 10:22:00 AM

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

Afolabi Muideen

Date: 4/13/2017 8:09:00 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
Date: 4/14/2017 4:44:00 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

Date: 4/13/2017 7:55:00 AM

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

Lynn Marie

Date: 4/12/2017 9:13:00 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