Eileen Manassian Poet Rhyme

The Untold Casualties of War

Who knows who are the casualties of war? 
Are they the wounded, maimed, and all the dead?
Who counts the orphans, widows, those displaced?
The untold truth, a light on this can shed

I also am a casualty of war
My soul is wounded by the grief I see
The war is raging here inside my head
I am held hostage, longing to be free

Survivor guilt is ravaging my nights
The blast of bombs, a morbid wake up call
Though I'm alive, I feel so dead inside
Like those cut down by hate, I take a fall

Destructor's cravings are insatiable
The sites destroyed include those of my mind
My tears pour down with that of martyrs' blood
Like refugees, a haven I must find

A lesser casualty, yet I am one
This war is altering my very soul
I am ashamed to claim a numbered place,
Yet war affects the country as a whole

Aggressors will not stop their killing spree
The toll of death goes higher every day
Who counts the living dead, devoid of hope?
The shroud awaits the ones this war will slay

These casualties of war exceed belief,
and trauma rages on without relief

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Richard Lamoureux December 5, 2024 at 5:36 AM Unimaginable pain. This time is the worst I have witnessed in my lifetime. I’m sorry for the pain people including yourself are enduring.

Paige Hind November 8, 2024 at 5:03 PM So tragic- and heartbreaking- I have been away awhile and I have catching up to do.... God protect you. You could really feel the impact of this poem <3 Hugs, dear Eileen

Richard D Seal November 3, 2024 at 3:02 PM Good to see you’re safe Eileen. Your poem perfectly expresses the troubles your area is going through. Stay strong, it will end. Take care, Richard Eileen Manassian November 3, 2024 at 8:53 PM Thank you for passing by. Hopefully it will end soon. This region of the world has always been in turmoil. One wonders how long a people group can remain resilient.

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart November 2, 2024 at 8:22 PM A war too casual, with casualties mounting, we’ll still be counting for some time no doubt. Pray stay safe, I hope for peace. Virtual hugs, xomo Eileen Manassian November 3, 2024 at 12:30 AM Prayers are always appreciated. Thank you for stopping by.

Kim Rodrigues November 2, 2024 at 9:31 AM I hold back on giving advice as I don’t know how it is to be in your position. I hope poetry is cathartic and you find the healing you need. Wrapping my arms around you in a gentle way. Eileen Manassian November 2, 2024 at 6:23 PM Thank you for that cyber hug. I certainly needed it. We just have to wait it out. They're nothing we can do but hold on. Blessings

Tom Cunningham November 2, 2024 at 5:54 AM So heartbreaking to watch the news reports Eileen but you've certainly not got anything to feel guilty about, never think that. All we can do is hope for peace, no religion or piece of land is worth fighting or dying for. Take care. Tom Eileen Manassian November 2, 2024 at 3:49 PM Glad you've seen the movie. He was truly a hero. As for feelings of guilt...I know I shouldn't have them, but I do. I'm here in a nice warm bed, in a safe area of Beirut (this far) and they are homeless. This has to end. Blessings Tom Cunningham November 2, 2024 at 5:57 AM Re, your comment to Tom below, I've seen that movie, what a great man he was he was decorated for all the lives he saved whilst under fire. People saw him in a new light.