Battle for Home

16-07-july-14th-2013

I stand on reddened soil, battle
complete, the smell of death
fills the air, I
care not for your meagre offering
of white cloth held in muddied hand
tainted by another’s blood

compensation for my loss on this
hallowed soil, a surrender given
to late to save the ones I loved
who rode into your storm
of pistols and catapults that cast
the stones of fire

with hearts racing, valiantly we
forged, my brother along side I
and in my fogginess of contest; the
sky drew dark through shadowed eyes
as brown soil mixed with blood
of those that will not see
another day

I step between the dead who lie
with mounts beneath them
men whose hearts will beat
no more, innocent, courageous
fighting for home they fell
with one last breath upon the ground
bring daylight through my tears
so I may see what we fought for
here, amongst the trees

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For Alastair’s Photo Challenge 150 words or less – Sorry I am 2 words over at 152. Please join us.

Alastair’s Photo Fiction

Souls of the night

the call of distant pipes listen
can you hear the mandolin gentle strum
its melody drifting to the fire, we watch
as moon light splinters the clouds
and bounces onto golden flames

love circled by young hearts
the gentle rustling of leaves on boughs
natures perfume drifts as darkness
enfolds the woods, this summers eve
shadowing the castle walls 

a raven calls as black as night, wings in flight
venturing across the skies, you play to me
sparks soar merging with the fire-flies
my heart softened by the sound
by earth itself

trembling hands we reach, as shooting stars
take their journey, lowered head I blush
for love that is divine, untarnished
gathered skirts, I clasp your hand in mine
giving of our love, the only sounds I hear
is your love for me, the pipes and mandolin

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Written whilst listening to Loreena