Ground Zero Poem by Cheryl McDonnell

Now we see fractured eyes sing
About so long ago now but it still stings
The way the world still cries in rhythm
For those and those who passed with them
Can these doves spare a wing
For them a prayer still sings
To a god who’s ears are deaf
Listens not to those who were left
Just echoes now and unmanned shadows
Aching like ice these times are hallowed
Smashed faces and burning flags
All hail the aftermath
Women and children die the same
From heaven the bullets rain
No moments left to savour
Breathe in your last hour
Under a splintered roof
Is this really a war of truth
Oil ablaze turns the sky to tar
Throw up the human umbrella
Nothing matters but the pocket
Shaking is this land hit by another rocket
So as justice is done
A world cowers now beneath the gun.