Skyfall
~For Ukraine
Song swells in my throat and
Explodes against rib; tears splintered on seashell.
I, who dream of turquoise pumps and
Silver bow, never imagined myself cold and small
Under shadow of the Blitz.
Sun, choked out, returns in a blaze
Death, in lilac silk tango dress,
Takes bone by the hand.
The sound of her footsteps drum overhead as
Almost-silhouettes bare their hearts to the light and
Release their souls to the wind.
Photo by Tom Barrett
Andrea Stephenson
A lovely contrast between the violent images and those of the delicate garments that captures the shock of war suddenly coming into our everyday lives.
Dominic Alapat
A disturbing poem about the war in Ukraine! One can feel the pain and horror in your words!
benditty
“Tears splintered on seashells” somehow says it all.
Hacketthillfarm
My heart breaks for the people of Ukraine. I cannot imagine the pain and suffering they are going through, but you have captured the rawness and realness of the situation beautifully.
Cindy Georgakas
your poem is amazingly raw with incredible depth and heart as I feel your emotions reading this Jaya. So well done!
Cindy Georgakas
Your words are so lyrical in poetic prose with such raw emotion at such a tenuous sad a gut wrenching time. Beautifully executed Jaya!
Eri Tz
All these days watching what is happening in Ukraine makes hold my breath. It happened tge same while reading this poem. It reminds me the poems of the romantics and I say it in a very good way.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you for sharing such a unique read, Eri!
Jeff Flesch
This is such a beautiful write, with captivating imagery and gorgeous language. It speaks to me of the paradox of life, in that where there are dreams, there will also be pain; I think this is especially true for dreamers, as they live and love at the edge of the knowable. Wonderful poetry, Jaya!
Jaya Avendel
Jeff, the way you read this as if it exists at the edge of a cliff is truly beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
Jeff Flesch
You’re most welcome, Jaya. It’s always my pleasure!
Isa A
I loved the Sun, choked out, returns in a blaze and Takes bone by the hand part.
Too ironic yet sadness to it. Loved it! Xx
Isa A. Blogger
Raji (@journeyintofantasy)
This is such an impactful poem. You’ve depicted the horrors of war so aptly in so few words and this was such a moving read.
Tushara Olivia
Let’s pray for Ukraine. This work give the exact feel or terror and harsh circumstances of people out there. Its intense one. Loved the lyrical beauty Jaya.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you ever so much!
Keep Calm & Drink Coffee
<3
gemmaajaynee
What a beautiful and moving piece here Jaya! I am sure all of us are thinking of Ukraine right now, it is absolutely heartbreaking and something I will never understand but your words are always touching x
Jaya Avendel
🥰 I am glad you feel so, Gemma!
Lauren
This is a very impactful piece Jaya! I am thinking of all the people in Ukraine. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren – bournemouthgirl
Beautyofcafe205
💛💙
Bethany dean
This is very moving Jaya, Ukraine hasn’t left my thoughts x
paeansunplugged
Your opening lines are arrestingly beautiful, Jaya! The horrors of war haunt our words.
Jenny in Neverland
This is incredibly impactful, I think given the circumstances in the world. It doesn’t take much and it doesn’t have to take entire paragraphs to express something like this. Amazing poem, thank you for sharing xx
Jaya Avendel
Thank you ever so much, Jenny!
Sara James
It’s a realistic and heartbroken depiction of yet another war just because we are intelligent enough to attack and defend.
Take care, my dear. xx
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog
So sad about Ukraine. Putin is heartless. 😥
Charity
This is the perfect poem for all the tragedy going on in Ukraine. My thoughts and prayers are with the people there. Thanks for sharing this piece.
schmitztimo
Слава Україні! Glory to Ukraine!
Unwanted Life
The use of the word “blitz” for a poem inspired by what’s going on in the Ukrainian seems appropriate, given that Putin is acting like Hitler before world war two. Great poem
Stephanie
This just goes to show that it doesn’t matter how few words are used, you can still make an impact. This is beautiful and emotional and wonderfully written as always. I’m in awe!
Jaya Avendel
Thank you deeply, Stephanie!
Sue Berk Koch
Tears splintered on seashell. You’ve evoked amazing emotions in this poem. My soul is soaring. Thank you for sharing your creation.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you for sharing such a lovely read!
Her Digital Coffee
Jaya, this is such a beautiful and moving piece. I’m holding Ukraine in my heart and praying for peace. Thank you for sharing.
Rachel
Beautiful and moving.
balroop2013
Each line of this poem sounds mystical and profound. I love the imagery that speaks volumes. Outstanding poetry Jaya! Thank you for nudging me to your blog, I am delighted to connect with an awesome poet.
Jaya Avendel
The feeling is truly mutual, Balroop!
Daphny Aqua
This is truly beautiful Jaya, we all stand with Ukraine and we all will keep praying for the people of Ukraine. ❤️
Aspen Hite
Beautifully written and so powerful! 🙏
Eugenia
Beautifully haunting and poignant, Jaya!
ReadAndReviewIt
This is such a powerful poem – it gave me chills reading it! The line about the Blitz is so haunting, what’s happening in Ukraine at the moment is truly horrific. Thank you so much for sharing and writing about such an important time x
Ingrid
‘Death, in lilac silk tango dress,
Takes bone by the hand.’
It gave me a chill to read this, Jaya: so hauntingly evoked!
Michele Lee
Oh, Jaya, this is so moving. Figuratively, it could mean many things, but your dedication makes it that much more poignant. Beautiful work.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you for your lovely read, Michele!
Michele Lee
You are most welcome. 😊
Jacqui Murray
I’m awestruck by the picture and your words.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you for so enjoying this poem, Jacqui!
Molly Transatlantic Notes
I stand with Ukraine; heartbreaking as it is, they are strong and resilient. What a beautiful poem.
Andrew McDowell
Praying for Ukraine.
Jodie | That Happy Reader
Such a beautiful and humbling poem Jaya. I’m praying for the all that are effected.
Ann Coleman
Just beautiful! And a very appropriate and touching response to the horrors in the Ukraine.
Lamittan Minsah
What a wonderful poignant poem, Jaya. Indeed! My own heart too goes out to Ukrainians. What’s happening there is highly condemnable.
Infinite Living
The first 2 lines felt exquisite beautiful to me – A poetess’ tender heart opening up bravely and boldly to the brutal reality to the world. I appreciated and enjoyed your poem.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you ever so much!