After "what if" happens
some will survive to tell
how their hate, their weapons
made Earth a living hell.
Few names will be remembered—
and sung a capella.
With memories of atoms
at eve’s blast all pell-mell
they’ll look into the heavens
and raise a new groundswell
of hearts never surrendered—
à la Nelson Mandela.
~~~
Written for Friday Flash 55, G-Man, and his Mr. Knowitall community...
and also for
dVerse Poets Pub Form for All, where host Samuel Peralta invites us to write a poem in 55 words this week.
Please visit both links to read many more "55s" as these two writing communities join together this week. What a special idea, Sam!
[Image via tumblr, where credit to the photographer was not given.]
.
Beautiful tribute Lydia! An icon has been extinguished but it still shines bright for justice and peace! Great write!
ReplyDeleteHank
nice word play with atom at eves, and def an appropriate one for today...he was def an inspiration---i have read quite a bit on he and tutu...it is a sad day, but we are richer for him
ReplyDeleteGreat opening stanza. Thankfully we have had a few Mandalas to offset those who would make Earth a living hell. Great word play and tribute. Especially like the use of pell-mell.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Nelson Mandela's name will definitely be one that will be remembered! A true world hero.
ReplyDeleteHate and destruction never quit. Neither does resistance to such things.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Gorgeous tribute!
ReplyDeleteYou paint with word in a tribute with hopes for a better world.
ReplyDeleteWell Done Lydia Dear!!!!
ReplyDeleteFew people that have lived on this Earth, have sacrificed what Nelson Mandela has for liberty and freedom...
Loved your Tribute 55
Thanks for playing and sharing, and please have a Kick Ass Week-End
Excellent progression on this one.
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute to a true hero.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written, Lydia. Let's hope we change our ways far short of that 'what if'.
ReplyDeletebleak then hopeful. nicely penned ~
ReplyDeleteA wonderful tribute - well done. Rest in peace Madiba.
ReplyDeleteHello Everyone~ I appreciate your kind comments, and rather than replying individually I am going to use that time to visit as many 55 posts as I can this weekend. Many thanks for your visits here.
ReplyDeleteHiya Lydia,
ReplyDeleteDon't remember having visited you before. Nice to find the link. I am impressed with your rhyme words and the way this delicat poem is constructed: the four/two line pattern, with a separate line of thought running through them: very clever and nice to read.
happy saturday lydia...hopefully i will see you in just a bit...smiles.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful tribute to an amazing man. I'm honoured that you used the framework of my article to springboard this commemoration. Indeed, he was and will always be an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteA memorable poem and a memorable person. Let's hope his hope of a changed world comes about. Blessings from Dalamory.
ReplyDeleteWhat a enjoyable pattern! Its great to take note of from you and notice what youve sent approximately. All of the projects look great! You make it so simple to the present. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBest Cccam Server
This is by far one of the better tributes I've read. it should have been published in a newspaper. Many thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
He did his job, and now we have to do ours.
ReplyDeleteYou are so clever with words....... beautiful poetry for a beautiful man. Blessings from Dalamory. www.freda.org.uk
ReplyDeleteOh such a wonderful tribute to Mandela. The accompanying photo is perfect with your words.-- barbara
ReplyDeleteWhat a strong statement! Most appreciated.
ReplyDelete