Love Poem: Ukraine
Ann Peck Avatar
Written by: Ann Peck

Ukraine

The pictures of sorrow--people fleeing
          the land they love--who wanted freedom
                    above all.
These images will long haunt us,
          as they should.
Yet, many stay to face the wrath of a despot
          who only wants to claim the once-free land
                    as his own.
So, he sends tanks to flatten buildings
         missiles to kill the children
                    silence their singing.
Can he be human--composed of blood and bone
         the same as those he kills...
                   the same as all.
How can this happen? Have we not learned?
         Our hearts break for you, Ukraine.

The courage of Ukraine people astounds us all
          and makes us proud.
Generous Poland, and people of the World
          who embrace strangers
          and share their homes
                    This is Love.
Dear God, please save Zelensky to lead again,
          when skies are blue
                     and only raindrops fall.

March 9, 2022
for Kyiv Poetry Contest
by Kai Michael Neumann