Ann Peck Poet Free verse

Ukraine

The pictures of sorrow--people fleeing
          the land they love--who wanted freedom
                    above all.
These images will long haunt us,
          as they should.
Yet, many stay to face the wrath of a despot
          who only wants to claim the once-free land
                    as his own.
So, he sends tanks to flatten buildings
         missiles to kill the children
                    silence their singing.
Can he be human--composed of blood and bone
         the same as those he kills...
                   the same as all.
How can this happen? Have we not learned?
         Our hearts break for you, Ukraine.

The courage of Ukraine people astounds us all
          and makes us proud.
Generous Poland, and people of the World
          who embrace strangers
          and share their homes
                    This is Love.
Dear God, please save Zelensky to lead again,
          when skies are blue
                     and only raindrops fall.

March 9, 2022
for Kyiv Poetry Contest
by Kai Michael Neumann

♡Like0

Share 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

Brian Sambourne May 6, 2022 at 8:17 PM Such a grand plea for justice + humanity. My maternal grandparents left Ukraine in 1906 for safer, democratic lands. I am forever grateful to them. Thank you for this timely posting. Be well. Brian

Gershon Wolf March 26, 2022 at 9:33 PM Amen. Couldn't agree with you more, Ann. Beautifully, poignantly expressed... (P.S. My wife is from Kharkiv, Ukraine. She and I appreciate those who perceive the immense suffering, all totally unnecessary, at the hands of a brutal butcher). Thank you, Gershon Ann Peck March 28, 2022 at 10:47 AM It's so very sad, Gershon. Blessings to your wife and you.

Darlene De Beaulieu March 10, 2022 at 3:44 PM Hello Ann peck, how I wish that the Ukraines would have a peaceful life. The thought of children being killed breaksmy heart. Also the men and women having a hard time of it. Hugs. Darlene De Beaulieu March 11, 2022 at 10:31 AM Hello Ann Peck, He is an awful person. Yes it is very sad. You to. Hugs. Ann Peck March 10, 2022 at 4:40 PM Thank you for your comments, Darlene. It's very sad. I wish we could send fighter jets, but Putin promises nuclear if we do. Take care.

Rico Leffanta March 10, 2022 at 10:56 AM The Ruble has lost 50% of its value since Putin invaded the Ukraine, and will plunge even more when Russians are hit with reconstruction costs, yet 90,000 Ukrainians have reportedly fled to Russia . . .Aloha! Rico Leffanta March 11, 2022 at 10:17 AM He can't afford to feed nor house them, and I hear the Gulags are overpopulated, however, humanity has never been one of Putin's concerns. . . . Ann Peck March 10, 2022 at 12:36 PM I know...perplexing. I guess, if trying to escape, one will go anywhere. I wonder what Putin will do with the thousands of demonstrators he has arrested. I'm afraid he might shoot them.