"Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees."
Last Words Of General Stonewall Jackson
River Crossing
By La Belle Rouge
the war has been protracted, brutal
I’m weary with wounds unhealed
dark memories seared into my mind
aching hunger gnawing at my soul
I see no conclusion to this conflict
no general truce with the universe
which has continued her conspiracy
with fate to break my line of defense
weary, so weary, bleeding feet
and failing heart struggle on
like a senseless beast of burden
overloaded, goaded by the whip
present comfort found only in hope
of crossing the river, resting at last
under dense shade of stately trees
that beckon with branches green
and call out to me to forget the war
which will pass, as all conflicts do
where I will wash blood from feet
in the cool, swirling river shallows
weary, heartsick no more, there
where youth and joy is renewed
running like strong young deer
laughing at old games replayed
the river, historically symbolic as a sanctuary of peace and renewal -- and from this magnificent photo and words that mend a weary soul, it is easy to understand why -- beautiful work Belle, I feel refreshed and uplifted reading it -- thanks for sharing from your heart with me -- now sit you down in the shade of the trees on yon riverbank and be refreshed -- peace and love to you my friend -- Jon Michael
Without struggle would that yearning, that hope have any currency of foreboding to better times, those that live in heaven and know no struggle can't envision the paradise that await them, and not know the yearning thereof, war is hell, therefore,......
Hugs! Jasmin Horst
P.S. Keep on looking accross that river, if you know what I mean.
"...dark memories seared into my mind, aching hunger gnawing at my soul..." tortured emotions of a walker through the cold landscape of longings and what ifs....
A haunting poem and yet...tender.
The youth and joy you describe in the last stanza could only speak of eternal rest in the joy of being with God. Therefore, I take this as an allegory on the sufferings we experience in life and the joy that awaits those who attain the peace of God.
In any case, it is a wonderful poem of empathy and then mercy.
Connie
LaBelle,
This is reminder of the horrors of war but what comes to me most strongly is the positive of homage to peace, harmony, renewal and the spirit within us.
Such universal feelings expressed here, Belle - you reach right into the deepest longings of mankind - this is framed and couched in a cultural, historical setting which could be replicated in many ways and in many times and places. Has an almost psalm-like feel to it... or sacred writing feel, at least. All people groups long for leaders that lead them into true peace, into true green pastures, to the truly living waters. And ultimately into a haven of eternity. Beautiful language of languishing and weariness with a strong note of upturn at the end. As with all your writes, you truly feel your subject. xx
I still think no one won or lost the Civil War. But I think all memories of it are important to remember. This excellent writing was a memory of it.
GOD BLESS
Tony
Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader)
Reviewed on December 1, 2009
GREAT stuff, Belle. I think this is a poem, or a set of words which can, and should, be used to describe all wars. Sometimes there is a need to fight, and that is a natural fact, but sometimes other things contribute in the act of war which is senseless and cause much unneeded deaths. And no, I am not becoming a peacenik, just being realistic.
Just said this on Peter Schlosser's 'That Was Then, This Is Now' poem: those that forget history are condemned to repeat it. Ain't it the sad truth. Shame. Move over, save me a spot at that River Crossing ... Well done, La Belle.
History repeats itself, war is writable history, Belle...the scars of the land and the people heal eventually at River Crossing in a peaceful setting only momentarily, to be played out as war all over again...a cycle of devastation uproots and then plants the seed of hope again...life, death, rebirth, life, death, rebirth, the circle of life...be well...
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Hugs! Jasmin Horst
P.S. Keep on looking accross that river, if you know what I mean.
A haunting poem and yet...tender.
Georg
In any case, it is a wonderful poem of empathy and then mercy.
Connie
This is reminder of the horrors of war but what comes to me most strongly is the positive of homage to peace, harmony, renewal and the spirit within us.
John
Superbly written. -gene.
GOD BLESS
Tony
Fee
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :(
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
Love,
Sage