Shadows of Sacrifice
Such horrid forfeit wars yet thresh
A scree of youth in blood and flesh
Another bride that numbs her pain
Lamenting voids that stark, remain
The purple badges - medallions, gold
Those vicious proxies, scant to hold
Her future dreams, all prospects dim
A soul conjoined to naught but him
The darkness comes with frequency
Thoughts push her toward mortality
But left behind, their love's sweet seed
Three little hearts that beat with need
Their care won't leave a moment for
Her tears to streak self-pity's floor
His duty's done - absolved by death
But hers grinds on with every breath
Though, when they're safe asleep again
She drinks, and thinks what might've been
Her shadowed heart - a last train home
She shuts the lights ... to dance alone.
Written and submitted on April 27, 2020
For the "Shadows" Poetry Contest
Chantelle Anne Cooke, Sponsor.
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