Lavender

Mar 28, 2023 ⭐ View statistics (Premium feature)

Victims

They are the red
on the flag

too often lowered
to half staff

About This Poem

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Country/Region: United States

Favorite Poets: I tend to read Ted Kooser, Jim Harrison, Billy Collins, Paul Simon, Robert Frost. I like minimalist poetry, and poems reflecting on nature and Mother Earth.

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Comments

Jackweb

2 years 3 months ago

You

have vividly drawn an imagery of red which signifies blood, dead people ( killed in a battle field!) I Believe a flag in a half mast means giving last respect to the armed forces, (The falling heroes!)

What a beautiful quatrain you have showcased here.
.

Lavender

2 years 3 months ago

Hello, Jackweb,

While the red in the flag of the United States represents strength and valor, and pays due homage and respect to those brave men and women who have given their lives for us, this poem was written after yet another school shooting here in our country. We cannot seem to figure out how to keep our citizens safe, not even our innocent children while attending school.
Thank you for reading,
L

RoseBlack

2 years 3 months ago

A short and powerful write

I was so saddened and maddened to hear of the latest school shooting. Keeping them safe seems like it should be so simple but it isn't. This world has grown into such a terrifying place. Your poem is a wonderful tribute to those that have served and given their lives for us. Well done.

Lavender

2 years 3 months ago

Hi, Carrie,

Our flags once again lowered. Our children deserve better.
Thank you for reading, my friend,
L

Clentin

2 years 3 months ago

Great poem reflecting the

Great poem reflecting the current state if affairs in the US- guns, guns and more guns. When will something be done? When will our leaders put life ahead of money so can continue their poor jobs!

Rula

2 years 3 months ago

Hello dear Lavender

I'm sorry for such incidents.
Your words summed up the anger and sadness that humanity feels.
Thank you for sharing.

Lavender

2 years 3 months ago

Hello, Rula,

I remember the first few incidents were unbelievable - no one could wrap their head around the thought of their child not being safe at school. Except for being at home, school was considered one of the safest places for a child. Now it is no longer unbelievable. It hurts us and we shake our heads, lower our flags, but we accept that it is possible. Will we ever go back to feeling safe. Will we ever get it right...
Thank you for your thoughts, my dear Rula.
L

Lavender

2 years 3 months ago

Hello, Clentin,

Firearm deaths claim more lives of children and teens in the U.S. than disease or car accidents. When a person lets that sink in, it is brutally alarming. Our children should be safe attending school.
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
L

Rosewood Apothecary

2 years 3 months ago

Normalized

How can this be the norm? It’s just so blatantly obvious that some more stringent regulations concerning fire arms need to be administered immediately. It’s past time we looked at the issue for what it is and lockdown some of this.

I’m sad. Your words are perfectly conveying this emotion I’m feeling. The fourteen words (including the title which is pivotal and necessary information for the delivery of the poem) are surreal. It’s a surreal feeling and you wrote it in so few words with such tact and emotion. I think you’ve got a great poem here despite the aftermath of the deplorable events it describes which have become normalized in our current culture.

A+ political and humanitarian commentary
A+ poetry

Tim

Lavender

2 years 3 months ago

Hello, My Wonderful Friend,

Warmest regards and hugs to you and yours.
L