Comment from Cindy Decker 2

Exceptional

Paul,
This poem is so heartbreaking and beautiful. Children of tragedy suffer so much because they don't understand why their world is tumbling.
Your last line is haunting, because that's exactly how children feel.
Exceptional poem!
Good luck in all your endeavors,
Cindy

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2022

---

reply by the author on 26-Apr-2022

Thanks, Cindy. The children don't have weapons - only prayers.

Comment from JoannaN

Exceptional

It is moving, it reminds me of works of Noble prize winner, Wislawa Szymborska (namely a poem named Vietnam). What makes this poem stand out is the perspective in which it is written - the perspective of adults.

 Comment Written 25-Apr-2022

---

reply by the author on 25-Apr-2022

Thanks, Joanna. Oh, oh. My head is getting big.

Comment from Lilly Flowers

Excellent

This just broke my heart. You did such a nice job capturing this disgusting war from a child's point of view. I don't know how the Ukranians can still keep up the fight after all they've been through. But they know what the alternative would be if they had to live under Putin. Best regards, Lilly

 Comment Written 25-Apr-2022

---

reply by the author on 25-Apr-2022

Thanks, Lilly. You are right. The alternative is not very good.

Comment from Joanne Gill-Maddick

Excellent

This is a beautifully written spiritual poem. It has a nice flow and rhyme scheme. Very well done. So so sad what's happening in Ukraine.
I see that you Are on your knees. And asking God,
"Dear Father, please, Just stop this war, And if you would, I promise, God,
I will be good." I pray for Ukraine ð???

 Comment Written 24-Apr-2022

---

reply by the author on 24-Apr-2022

Thanks, Joanne. They need prayer and weapons.

reply by Joanne Gill-Maddick on 24-Apr-2022

Your welcome

Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell

Excellent

This is a sad, sad poem, and one that is too true. It breaks my heart to see so many children walking around wondering what on earth is happening. So many have been killed by that soulless man who calls himself a human being. Not in my books! He is insane, and until he is gone, no one will be safe, and children will carry on being murdered. Excellent poem, well done and good luck in the contest. :)) Sandra

 Comment Written 24-Apr-2022

---

reply by the author on 24-Apr-2022

Thanks, Sandra. We think alike.

Comment from Rosemary Everson1

Exceptional

This poem really touches us at home these days. It is so very sad when you see children die at war, this morning a mother and her child died in the bombing overnight.

 Comment Written 24-Apr-2022

---

reply by the author on 24-Apr-2022

Thanks for the review, Rosemary. I always feel pulled to turn on the news these days, but I always hate what I see.

reply by Rosemary Everson1 on 24-Apr-2022

so true.

reply by Rosemary Everson1 on 24-Apr-2022

so true.

Comment from Tom Horonzy

Exceptional

Oh my! I nearly did not get past the child's photo in prayer. Amazingly good photograph especially when paired with the words you shared. If I could vote you seven stars I would. Thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 24-Apr-2022

---

reply by the author on 24-Apr-2022

Thanks, Tom. I was a long time searching for that picture.

Comment from Boogienights

Excellent

This poem is well written and touches the heart. As an adult, It stirred something inside of me, made me feel sad. But I have to wonder if this is appropriate for a child. The contest said to write a poem for a child and while this is a reality for children of Ukraine, talking about soldiers and dead bodies seems to me, to not be appropriate for children. It's just my opinion for what it's worth. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 24-Apr-2022

---

reply by the author on 24-Apr-2022

Thanks for your review, Boogie. When I started to write, this just flowed out of me. Your point is well taken.

Comment from Debi Pick Marquette

Exceptional

This is so beautifully written and yet so sad. This is one of the best poems I've read in a long time and I thank you so much for sharing it with us. You did a great job of showing how horrible it must be in Ukraine right now, especially for the little children. Picture of the little girl really brings out your story and makes me wanna cry for them . God bless you for writing this poem. You did a wonderful job and you have my vote, and my 6 stars! Thank you again,

 Comment Written 24-Apr-2022

---

reply by the author on 24-Apr-2022

Thanks, Debi. You are too kind. I will pass your comments on to my muse.

Comment from l.raven

Exceptional

I read this poem yesterday...but I wouldn't review it
without a six....and if I could give it a ten I would...
one of the most touching poems I have ever read...

I love your poem...and the picture...speaks for itself...
so very well written...so many children are where this
little boy are today...Love Linda xxoo

 Comment Written 24-Apr-2022

---

reply by the author on 24-Apr-2022

Thanks, Linda. It was one of those rare times when the words just came out. I wrote this in about ten minutes.

reply by l.raven on 24-Apr-2022

it's a very touching poem...and picture...
your so welcome...love xxoo