Hello, beautiful readers! For this week's #TankaTuesday Poetry Challenge, poet David Bogomony, aka ben Alexander, invited us to write a Javanese form called sekar ageng. This poetry form consists of a quatrain (4 lines) with 17 syllables each. Each line has three sections of 4 syllables, 6 syllables, and 7 syllables.
This month, I have been reading a book by a Vietnam War veteran and fellow RRBC author, John Podlaski. In his book, called Cherries, he shares his experiences while overseas during this horrific war. I have not finished reading it yet, but his retelling of those painful moments linger with me. So, I decided to write my Sekar ageng about his journey.
unwanted war ~ horrors seen by young men ~ many never to come home
bounded brothers ~ joined by circumstances ~ protected one another
earth's humid hell ~ trekking through booby traps ~ surrounded by enemy
jungle of death ~ war's end brought no relief ~ survivors burdened with grief
Would you like to try to write this poetry form? Join us here.
The horrific pain of war Yvette, that continues to cause suffering long after its so called end ..... 💞
ReplyDeleteIt's very sad, Suzanne! Thank you for stopping by and commenting. :-)
DeletePoignant narration!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Reena! I am happy you enjoyed my poem. :-)
DeleteWar. What is it good for? Your poem is heartfelt, Yvette. Thanks for sharing the these words. Xo, Selma
ReplyDeleteThank you, Selma! (I will admit I sang those first two lines...lol!) :-)
DeleteYvette,
ReplyDeleteThis poem really captures the harrowing experience of war. The imagery is powerful, and the way you convey the emotional weight of survival and loss is deeply moving.
Much love,
David
SkepticsKaddish.com
Thank you, David! I'm so happy you liked it. This is an interesting form of poetry, and I'm glad you introduced it to me. :-)
DeleteThe Vietnam war was a dark shadow on our youth. I remember participating in countless demonstrations when I was a student.All those young lives lost. A sad reality . We had conscription in those days. We called it the death lottery. If your birthday was drawn from the ballot box you were conscripted into the army. Good poem.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rall! I just finished reading the novel, and it was very powerful. It's sad how all those veterans were treated when they returned home. :'(
DeleteVietnam was a horrific war! My husband served two tours. You portrayed the horrors well, Yvi. ❤️
ReplyDeleteTwo tours! Wow, Colleen! John's novel inspired me to write the poem. He served one tour, and it was horrific. I cannot imagine going through that hell for two terms. Your husband is a hero. Thanks for sharing that with me today! :-)
DeleteA beautiful and harshly sad poem . You have really caught the essence of war here 💜💜
ReplyDeleteThank you, Willow! I appreciate you stopping by. :-)
DeleteWar leaves deep wounds in the soul of the survivors. A very evocative poem Yvette. Sadje
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sadje! Veterans of war are never the same when they return. Thank you for visiting and commenting. :-)
Delete(Jules) A wonderful tribute to those who fought... it is unfortunate that some still struggle from that war or any war.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Jules! More should be done to take care of the men and women who served in war. Thanks for commenting. :-)
DeleteA powerful poem, Yvette, that seems to encapsulate the Viet Nam experience for so many young men. The book sounds intense, and the pain comes through in your poem. <3 <3
ReplyDeleteThe book is amazing! There are some emotional moments, but it is told tastefully. I highly recommend reading it. :-)
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