The Forgotten Soldier

For Ukraine

The cities tremble; the bridges begin to decay,

Steel giants growing weary are rusting where they lay.

The streets are silent where children used to play

And their memories are like the smoke that’s running away.

The wind is curling through the roads they are brushing

The further I walk, the weight becomes crushing.

The wind is filled with blood and dust.

And are echoing the voices of the lost.

The dust has covered the sky since dawn.

The stars are like shrapnel in the night

And I have forgotten how long the sun has been gone.

And how bright was its warming light.

I am alone, except for a picture of me holding her

Waiting for my brothers to come

But they will not find a soldier

Only a shadow who refused to run.

As light begins to peek through the hollow bones of dawn

My voice is the only flag remaining

I look for a blazing eagle upon the horizon

But alas, see nothing but the sun breaking.