Whispers

The flags wave, but not in joy—
each fold a whisper from the past,
each thread soaked with silent prayers.
They stand tall,
but the ground beneath them
has known the weight of souls who cannot rise.

In the quiet of the cemetery,
where time does not dare to move too fast,
the wind speaks in the language of absence.
For every flag, a story is buried—
not just of wars,
but of lives lived between battles,
of moments taken in the blink of an eye.

These flags do not flutter for the living,
but for the ones who gave
all they could,
so we could continue breathing in freedom’s name.

And in their silence, we listen.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Ashley Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Dear Aaliyah, a breathtaking tribute to our fallen heroes! Somber, tender, poignant, beauty reaches in to deeply move my heart and soul. The fluttering of cemetery flags do "whisper" a melancholy all their own. Congrats for your well-deserved contest win. Your poetry is exquisitely soulful. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
O'Neil Avatar
May 25, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Thank you so much, Susan. Your beautiful words truly touched me. I'm so glad the piece resonated with you. I really appreciate your kind congratulations and support—means the world.
Lawless Avatar
May 21, 2025 at 5:59 PM
WOW...magnificent Aaliyah...I often sit listening to the song of the fluttering flag. An often sad and somber silence between notes. thanks for this one I shall FAVE IT
O'Neil Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Thank you so much for this beautiful response—it truly means a lot. I'm deeply moved that it resonated with you in such a personal way. The image you’ve shared is powerful, and I’m honoured the piece spoke to that quiet space between the notes. Thank you also for the fave.
Woods Avatar
May 20, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Gorgeous thoughtful poem... honoring our heros. Congratulations on your win! Xo
O'Neil Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm really touched that the poem resonated with you. It was an honour to write something in tribute to our heroes. I truly appreciate your support.
Mckeithan Avatar
May 19, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Congrats on your placement in my contest. What clinched it for me is the very last sentence. Set apart. It brings closer to your poem.
O'Neil Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Thank you so much. I'm truly honoured to have placed in your contest. I'm especially glad the final sentence resonated with you—it means a great deal to hear that it made a lasting impression. I really appreciate your thoughtful feedback.
Theraven Avatar
May 3, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Aaliyah, "Whispers" - half in praise of this, twice the sum of all parts in prayers. -Richard
O'Neil Avatar
May 6, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Thank you so much, Richard. Your words are incredibly thoughtful and meaningful. I’m deeply grateful for your praise, and I’m honored that "Whispers" resonated with you in such a special way.
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