Children of War

FredPeyer

They played soccer with

An old sock filled with cloth

On burned out grounds

Goals denoted by two sticks

And still they played

 

Sometimes they hesitantly smiled

Having long forgotten how to laugh

Ninety year old eyes

In nine year old faces

And still they played

 

Weary eyes knowingly searching

The sky all around

Never stopping to listen

For the telltale sounds

And still they played 

 

Souls hardened by death

Bodies already conditioned

To scamper at the

First sign of danger

And still they played

 

They played soccer

With childlike abandon

Knowing it could be

Their last game

And still they played

  • Author: Alfred Peyer (Pseudonym) (Offline Offline)
  • Published: July 18th, 2017 01:41
  • Category: Children
  • Views: 66
  • User favorite of this poem: Heather T.
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Comments10

  • Goldfinch60

    A very good write and in this day and age it is so true and is probably expanding to a bigger rubble filled pitch.

    • FredPeyer

      The real victims of any war are the innocent bystanders. Thanks Goldfinch!

      • Goldfinch60

        Every time Fred, every time.

      • burning-embers

        My thoughts went to WW1 Fred and the Christmas football match between the trenches between the Jerrys and Tommys. The joy of humanity still thriving in the boy brought to foreign lands to be slain in waves and for what? As Gordon Sumner wrote 'the flower of england face down in the mud and stained in the blood of a whole generation.'

        • FredPeyer

          Thanks b-e, that must have been something! Very good question, what for? We have wars, and after that, nothing changed.

        • onepauly

          good poem

          • FredPeyer

            thanks pauly!

          • Emile Dubois

            Great write..

            • FredPeyer

              Merci Emile!

            • Fay Slimm.

              This gets right to the heart of war's effect on the young - a truly moving and unforgettable read Fred.

              • FredPeyer

                Thanks Fay, just look at all these child soldiers. When are we humans finally going to learn?

              • Louis Gibbs

                A poignant poem very well presented, Fred! Excellent write!

                • FredPeyer

                  Thanks so much Louis!

                • Tony36

                  Wow, Awesome write

                  • FredPeyer

                    Not so awesome yet, maybe in five years! 🙂

                    • Tony36

                      Welcome

                    • Michael Edwards

                      Inspiring write - good for them - hope they keep playing.

                      • FredPeyer

                        Thanks Michael, and kids will always play. They are so much smarter than we are!

                      • Heather T

                        Cuts to the bone with images of spirits unbroken in the midst of death and destruction that most can't fathom. Emotive work, friend.

                        • FredPeyer

                          Thanks so much Heather. If you think that a power-struggle between two egomaniacs can turn millions of people into refugees. So sad.

                        • Its Raskolnikov

                          Very truthful and descriptive, really gives insight

                          • FredPeyer

                            From the older generation to the younger generation: Don't do as we did, don't start any wars!

                            • Its Raskolnikov

                              I will try, with all my might



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