Silent Pain, Screaming

Prolonged sounds of shrieking sirens warn
Where death of normalcy people mourn
As he hugs wife and child close to his heart,
Ambivalent of woeful day’s agonizing start:
Unjust war burning down sanctity of life
Clasping distressed lives in atrocious strife.

Neither they have hope, nor relief in sight,
Where eerie silence frightens bleak night,
Misery crowds his way on hellish train ride,
As dread of the unspoken bawls teary eyed,
Spotting piles of rubble, bodies scattered,
Buildings, playgrounds torn and shattered.

Kissing goodbyes, he ventures to the field,
Despite enemy’s strength refusing to yield;
Determined to defend his nation’s pride
While rage of anguish he struggles to hide.

In a makeshift bed, as she trembles in fear,
Kissing her child-asleep, she sheds a tear,
Having heard of war-crimes, uttering a sigh,
Overcome by trepidation she tries to defy,
Shivering in consternation of silent screams,
Collapsing in agony of dismantled dreams;

When she was told her husband has died,
Agitating a turbulent storm howling inside
Where boiling anger, scorching grief collide.

November 27, 2022
Placed 1st: Pick-A-Title, Vol 33 Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Edward Ibeh
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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

Empress Avatar
February 10, 2024 at 4:48 AM
Gosh! Dear Vijay! Im literally in tears, this is so poignant and soulful and so very touching and so well delivered with perfect rhymes! Your storytelling skills are on point and hits strong truly! You have a way with expressing and phrasing things in a way that readers truly feel . And this right here is just beyond impeccable and soul hitting! I felt especially the opening lines and the rest just flows in sync! The last lines too are just gut wrenching sigh! You are such a talented writer!FAV
Buehler Avatar
September 28, 2023 at 12:08 PM
The agonies of war is so vividly conveyed in this beautifully written poem. Belated congratulations.
Legros Kelley Avatar
January 1, 2023 at 9:46 AM
Vijay, my goodness, your poem is amazing. You gave me chills with this powerful writing. I see it was a top win, congratulations! It was obviously very well deserved <3
M  Avatar
December 17, 2022 at 7:01 AM
Oh Wow Vijay what a wonderfully powerful moving poem….Debx
Poet Avatar
December 16, 2022 at 5:35 AM
It baffles me how I could have overlooked such a magnificent treasure, Dear Vijay. Congratulations on winning 1st place with this powerful piece; it was definitely a roller coaster of feelings. Each sentence has a lot of meaning and passion packed into it. A sad story that you've told really well, my friend.
Pandit Avatar
December 16, 2022 at 1:05 PM
Glad you found the poem. my friend. Your feedback is always valued and appreciated. Much appreciate your kind remarks.
Alex Avatar
December 15, 2022 at 8:12 PM
Great writing. The last stanza is exceptionally beautiful. Congratulations!
Pandit Avatar
December 16, 2022 at 1:04 PM
Thank you Christuraj. Much appreciate.
Dietrich Avatar
December 15, 2022 at 8:56 AM
big congrats for this win with your excellent take on that topic, Vijay
Pandit Avatar
December 16, 2022 at 1:04 PM
Much appreciate, Andrea--many thanks.
George Avatar
December 15, 2022 at 8:13 AM
Congratulations dear Vijay on your well deserved top win in Edward's Contest
Pandit Avatar
December 16, 2022 at 1:04 PM
Thank you, Valsa. Much appreciate.
Ibeh Avatar
December 15, 2022 at 6:09 AM
Unsurprisingly stunning, intense write, Vijay:-) Your vocabulary is peerless! Heartiest congratulations on your top win in my contest!
Pandit Avatar
December 16, 2022 at 1:03 PM
Much appreciate your kind feedback, Edward. Many thanks for sponsoring contests with cool, enticing themes.
Fowler Avatar
December 7, 2022 at 6:46 AM
Very moving Vijay, an emotional ride indeed. Each line is filled with meaning and expression. A sorrowful tale well told my friend. :)
Pandit Avatar
December 7, 2022 at 11:02 AM
Much appreciate your kind feedback, Linda. Many thanks.
Horsman Avatar
December 7, 2022 at 12:49 AM
So much suffering on this planet. The human race needs to have a good look at oneself. Great Poetry Vijay.
Pandit Avatar
December 7, 2022 at 11:02 AM
So true. Many thanks Harry.
Proxenos Avatar
December 1, 2022 at 9:23 AM
Such an excellent write and so many countries at war not knowing what the next day will bring, certainly no joy just misery pain and anguish, torment, torture and death. Well penned my friend. Hugs blessings, Jennifer.
Pandit Avatar
December 4, 2022 at 7:55 AM
Thank you my friend. Much appreciate your visit and kind remarks, Jennifer.
Kendrick Avatar
December 1, 2022 at 7:19 AM
Can't imagine what the people are suffering in war-torn areas of the world especially Ukraine as of now. Thanks for sharing and for dropping by my page. Sara
Pandit Avatar
December 4, 2022 at 7:54 AM
Many thanks Sara--much appreciate.
Daniel Avatar
November 30, 2022 at 9:34 PM
War caused pain, such a tragedy, you have brought it out well, Vijay:)
Pandit Avatar
December 4, 2022 at 7:54 AM
Thank you Joe. Much appreciate.
Nicole Avatar
November 30, 2022 at 11:47 AM
When we sleep and all around is calm, we should never take that for granted. My heart breaks for those that live in fear and hear battle cries. Day and night. So sad what is happening in Ukraine. Your thoughts touch me deeply, Vijay. My best to you, my dear friend. Hugs, Brandy
Pandit Avatar
November 30, 2022 at 2:33 PM
I share your sentiments my dear friend. We should never take our freedom and peace for granted. Much appreciate your visit and comments, Brandy. Hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving. Many thanks.
Dietrich Avatar
November 29, 2022 at 12:55 PM
So much suffering and tragedy in the wars. We can really catch the emotions here.
Pandit Avatar
November 30, 2022 at 6:27 AM
Many thanks, Andrea. Much appreciate your visit and comments.
Buhagiar Avatar
November 29, 2022 at 5:49 AM
Why can't we live in peace? War is useless.
Pandit Avatar
November 30, 2022 at 6:26 AM
I agree. Many thanks, Victor.
George Avatar
November 29, 2022 at 5:46 AM
This sends daggers to the heart ! When destruction and death become an everyday reality, those who go to the battle field are at high risk. Their dear ones live with silent pain screaming in their hearts. When the fatal news reach them they can only shriek in agony. Powerful portrayal, dear Vijay!
Pandit Avatar
November 30, 2022 at 6:26 AM
It's hard to watch the tragedies unfolding daily in Ukraine. Much appreciate your visit and comments dear friend. Many thanks.
Sands Avatar
November 28, 2022 at 6:23 AM
Wow! So powerful. And ending line right on point. Well written Vijay :)
Pandit Avatar
November 28, 2022 at 8:23 AM
Much appreciate, Heidi. Many thanks for your visit and kind remarks.
Trifiatis Avatar
November 27, 2022 at 12:26 PM
A monumental poem depicting the agonies and suffering of people that go through in times of war. Ukraine is today's battlefield where every word of yours comes to life, my friend, Vijay. A Fave. Blessings.
Pandit Avatar
November 27, 2022 at 1:18 PM
Glad you recognized the battlefield. It is about the ongoing tragedy imposed on innocent people in Ukraine. Honored by your words and your FAVE, my friend. Many thanks.
Cunningham Avatar
November 27, 2022 at 10:35 AM
You captured the absolute horror of war well in your verse Vijay I immediately thought of Ukraine but it could apply to any war. Best of luck in the contest. Tom
Pandit Avatar
November 27, 2022 at 1:17 PM
Yes, Tom-- It is about the war in Ukraine. Much appreciate your visit, as always. Many thanks.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace