Home » Poems » John Lawless » The Stillness of Peace

The Stillness of Peace

the stillness of peace Mossy vines served as camouflage for a decaying headstone. She had gone to war at a time when women didn’t. Took her skilled compassion and knowledge of emergency triage with her, seen the worst of what war could do to the human body and psyche. She returned home quietly to resume her life, fall in love, marry, have a family. She carried many secrets with her to the end. Her family wept at her passing as did a small group of elderly women, strangers who shed tears for reasons of their own. Fellow soldiers now entrusted with her secrets. Time took her family away. Vines crept over the hidden graves. Soft teardrops of passing angels wore away the stone face. History faded into the bindings of unread books. cold breath lingers flags wave in the distance the stillness of peace 8/4/2016 Submitted to – Camouflage Me A Poem – Poetry Contest sponsor – Broken Wings Theme 1

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Constance La France

Date: 8/12/2016 11:12:00 PM

John, congratulations on your win in my contest with this wonderfully penned poem ~

Lu Loo

Date: 8/10/2016 9:48:00 PM

John, congrats on your placement with this wonderful poem, very touching :)-luloo

Tom Arnone

Date: 8/10/2016 9:41:00 PM

Interesting form this Haibun. Your poem is informative, introspective and haunting. Congrats! :-)

Sandra Haight

Date: 8/5/2016 9:25:00 PM

Very profound and a well-written Haibun, John. Best wishes for the contest. Sandra

John Lawless
Date: 8/6/2016 9:51:00 AM

Thank you Sandra. It is an interesting opening line for the contest theme.

Caycay Jennings

Date: 8/5/2016 7:59:00 AM

Well done, John - I enjoyed the read very much ... CayCay

John Lawless
Date: 8/6/2016 9:49:00 AM

Thanks CayCay, always nice to hear from you.

Tim Smith

Date: 8/4/2016 5:05:00 PM

Very heartfelt write John. Many women went unrecognized during the first world war. Excellent haiku as well

John Lawless
Date: 8/6/2016 9:49:00 AM

Thanks Tim, my daughter was deployed to Iraq as an emergency room nurse. Much of it she still doesn't talk about. At least now the nurses are more recognized for their service.