The Sowing

Upon the wind sheltered hillside,
the sharp tang of metal and the sting of salt air lay
over a field of blood-red poppies, no Flanders Field.

At years fall, fields of rape roll like waves,
in the harshness of winter-sleet, stray boulders bow,
like the backs of mothers, and daughters sowing.
Their nails torn, ragged, and bleeding.
They bleed by the moon, and son, upon the fields.
No white crosses mark their passing.

For hundreds of years, and crops of rape, barley and wheat,
small hands, soft hands, and soft thighs bleed.
They bleed daughters, and sons.
They birth the fields by consent or rape and in the fields 
unadorned by silver stars or purple hearts, they writhe.

Today, as May's sun wakes the blood blasted pasture,
each precious drop blooms, a heroines soul
acknowledgement, the poppies yield.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Peranteau Avatar
June 3, 2022 at 1:38 PM
So, why am i not surprised to find you hear dear poet...now about this write...dope! oh yeah...and those "fields of rape"...you knowz that's really pretty. And those red poppies, fieldz uv them; a marvelous sight! You've intoxicated me with this write Debbie [and i do see the raw in this piece girlie] ty...much love, james
Peranteau Avatar
June 3, 2022 at 1:41 PM
p2 the s....(((((Bravissimo)))))
Ray Avatar
April 7, 2022 at 5:47 PM
loved it!!! no greater praise needed
Tor Avatar
May 16, 2020 at 3:07 AM
Very nice Debbie you've been here forever. Respect your passion for writing.
Foster Avatar
July 15, 2019 at 12:23 AM
I am reeling... wow. Lots of emotions. Excellent. Ann
De Beaulieu Avatar
February 20, 2019 at 4:39 PM
Hello Debbie Guzz,A beautifully created poem. have a nice evening my friend.
Goff Avatar
February 19, 2019 at 5:33 AM
Love this poem!
Staton Avatar
January 6, 2019 at 9:02 AM
Well written, beautiful imagery.
Guzzi Avatar
January 6, 2019 at 3:33 PM
Thank you, Valerie
Hull Avatar
January 16, 2018 at 10:10 AM
i enjoyed your work although the i think the use of rape and blood again when already in a nice understated form made the piece read difficult to me..i still liked all the very nice imagery you presented in your work.. good job debbie..
Ewing Avatar
January 8, 2018 at 2:58 PM
Thank you. This is a powerful work with strong imagery.
Lamoureux Avatar
October 25, 2017 at 1:25 PM
I enjoyed reading this one again Debbie. How have you been?
Evans Avatar
September 23, 2017 at 7:06 PM
This is incredible. It's a painting. Thanks for sharing..............peace!
Guzzi Avatar
September 23, 2017 at 8:00 PM
Thank you Rich!
Williams Avatar
August 17, 2017 at 8:25 AM
Hi was this dedicated to those unknown slaves of long ago or field workers of today? Nice write with dedication.
Guzzi Avatar
September 23, 2017 at 8:00 PM
women today still go through this type of treatment
Cozart Avatar
July 22, 2017 at 2:41 PM
I have read this several times before, I just didn't realize who wrote it. It really is beautiful; soft in it's determination.
Guzzi Avatar
July 22, 2017 at 3:02 PM
Thank you so much, Dale, man has been at war with women, seen them as the enemy ever since the Catholic church deemed it's Eve's fault & that she initiated the original sin. There will be no peace on earth until this concept is denounced.
Neumann Avatar
June 6, 2016 at 7:48 AM
Wow. We reap what we sow, but more often we reap, what others sow.
Pluff Avatar
March 17, 2016 at 8:22 AM
very moving
Kroll Avatar
March 11, 2016 at 2:31 PM
Very moving
Anish Avatar
January 23, 2016 at 5:21 PM
Heartfelt, moving work here! Peace & Love Matthew Anish
Guzzi Avatar
January 23, 2016 at 6:29 PM
Thank you Matthew how have you been?
Thirtyseven Avatar
December 29, 2015 at 7:11 AM
This amazing read has been voted 3rd on the all time greatest list of Poetry Soup Poems. How wise we poets are. I trust that Christmas was wonderful and may the New Year be just as great. How was Europe? I've got an e-mail for you when you are ready.
Guzzi Avatar
December 29, 2015 at 7:36 AM
Thanks Scott, this poem is in my new book The Hurricane available through me or Prolific Press. Please send the email dear.
Milliner Avatar
November 22, 2015 at 10:35 PM
History brought to life through poetry, great!
Lanier Avatar
October 25, 2015 at 5:32 PM
wow! nicely written. i love free verse because of the freedom words can take you.
Bhurani Avatar
October 24, 2015 at 9:05 AM
Truly a writeup which displays your outstanding talent.
Labeau Avatar
September 23, 2015 at 5:35 PM
so much bloom and blood I read your boom boom
Nair Avatar
June 11, 2015 at 1:48 AM
you are an intelligent writer .your way of writing, imagery, profound insight all are reflecting in your poem.impressive
Muideen Avatar
April 25, 2015 at 12:43 AM
Very great and impressive
Taylor Avatar
April 14, 2015 at 6:36 PM
I absolutely love your writing! It's so amazing and always beautiful! I cannot wait to read more of your poems in the future!!! <3 Tash
123456
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