The Charred Cross Poem by ANDREW BLAKEMORE
The Charred Cross
That winter's night the sky did glow
A flaming amber 'neath the stars,
As the city blazed the bombs lit up
The old cathedral spire,
Wave after endless wave they came
The whining drones the sounds from hell,
That echoed through the searchlights
And the anti-aircraft fire.
The city folk were helpless
As they saw their homes and streets destroyed,
The factories and the workshops
One by one were wiped away,
They watched as the cathedral burned
And saw its mighty roof collapse,
That smouldered through the morning
In the cold light of the day.
As the city lay in ruins
And the fallen bricks did fill the streets,
There was a sense of disbelief
So pitiful the sight,
The stench of death did linger through
That still and hushed November air,
Five hundred lives or more they said
Were lost upon that night.
As years did pass the city grew
And rose again from fire and flame,
Yet no one shall forget that time
Engrained for evermore,
Within the hearts of young and old
For made from charred and fallen beams,
A cross stands on the altar now
To show the cost of war.
(In memory of those killed during the Coventry air raid on the night of 14th November 1940.)
Great poem Andy, Coventry was badly bombed during WW2 and as always your imagery is perfect, well done and a good tribute too, 10 Lynda xxx
A cross stands on the altar now To show the cost of war. .................................................. Andrew, This the poem is the eternal flame for their souls...10... Sincerely, Tsira
Andrew you have brought back memories of the Coventry Bombing with great sensitivity - your are keeping the candle buring for all those unfortunate souls who lost their lives in the tragedy.10+++
wonderful as usual Andrew your writing goes from strength to strength. I sense an awakening of who you are and a natural ease coming through. Well done. Ann
This was extremely compelling Andrew, , , , AWESOME, POWERFUL-PENNING, , , The Cross made from the charred ashes, , , now a symbol, , like the Phoenix Rising, , , ....................Andrew, , , , , This is brilliant craftmanship my friend ...............................Take care..Love duncan X
A superb narrative poem (one of your best to date) written with the grace and style of your more 'still life' pieces. Your skill with meter is outstanding and the structure of the poem is architecturally and artistically sound as a bell. A moving tribute (like it's subject and title) to a terrifying time of loss and destruction. Congratulations. Love, Allie ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I loved this one Andrew, a great subject and so beautifully written. A very moving write and poignant in its telling. Love and hugs Ernestine XXX
It is noteworthy that you make sure we do not forget the ravages of war. Your images are vivid and very meaningful. It seems like the consequences of war never go away, but that man never learns and needs to continue waging it no matter what. We need to keep rebelling against it.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Delivering Poems Around The World
Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge...
5/6/2024 1:50:48 PM # 1.0.0.1119
I love poems that have a really interesting story within. This is one of them, and I also enjoyed the amazing rhyming pattern that runs through it which is rigidly adhered to. Clever writing Steve