Romeo Juliet 121 Where are you

A modern Romeo and Juliet

An American soldier walks into a shelled ruin to find a young girl huddled in a darkened corner, her hands covering her face, she is shaking.

Soldier ~ How Amongst this war torn masonry,
             could Grow so fair a desert flower.
             That hides so soft her eyes from me,  
             but yet steals from me the very power. 
             To reason love amidst this scenery,
             as I ashamed now turn and cower.   

She looks up and on seeing his uncertainty and gentle face finds herself drawn to him.

Girl ~      By what star was this night born,
             that alights on so silent a step.
             Adorning this dark with love not scorn,
             and into my heart so softly crept.
             Doth now my soul such thoughts adorn,
             as through his eyes such sorrow wept.

They look at one another as the sound of automatic gunfire shatters the silence...

Soldier ~ If I could but steal one solitary hour,
             and thus pluck it out of time.
             Wouldst I not share it with this flower,
             that has so ataken this hard heart of mine.

Girl ~      If I could but steal one unashamed look, 
             and seal this chance meeting with a kiss.
             But for this war we are unstuck,
             and never may we share such bliss. 

Soldiers screaming orders and receiving commands.

Radio ~   Romeo Juliet 121 where are you,
             let fly the shells that rend this night.
             and burn surrounding building too,
             leave no cover from which for them to fight.

The soldier turns and runs out casting one final look over his shoulder towards her, she stands and walks to the doorway speaking.

Girl ~      May whatever God you pray to keep you,
             and May he safe your journey be.
             So when at last this madness through,
             he leads you back to be with me.

Soldier ~ May whatever God you pray to guard you,
             and keep you safe from hatreds eyes.
             That come a time when we're unbound,
             He let's us love without disguise.

The radio crackles into life orders are screamed and a shell whistles over the soldiers head, striking the second floor of her home causing the roof to collaspe.
He turns and screams running toward the smoke and dust billowing from the open doorway...

Soldier ~ What hell hath such disdain to break a heart,
             With mortar shell and racial hate.
             Imprisoning my soul now ripped apart,
             amidst the sands of this damned state.

He falls to his knees, rifle butt driven into the ground..

Soldier ~ Then let me here atone this crime, 
             ending this ache within my beating chest.
             For without your love what use is time,
             when by your side I seek to rest.

 He pulls his trigger and falls over slowly hitting the ground as she appears through the smoke coughing, she sees him and runs to crouch down by his side stroking his bloodied face..

Girl ~      In suicide are we both damned,
             and hell will own here our mortal soul.
             But just to be once held soft within your hand,
             would I suffer all to be made whole.

 His knife in her hand she closes her eyes and thrusts deep into her Breast, falling limp across his body and in death knows his touch.

Sergent ~ Why when all men are brothers,
              do we scar both heart and earth.
              Feel humbled by the sight of lovers,
              who knew that war attains not worth,
              Killing the sons of faceless mothers,
              that mourn now the life that they gave birth.

He walks away head bowed, other grunts gather around the couple and stare uncertainly at what transpired as love conquered death and cast doubts amongst the living.

Author's Note

Romeo Juliet 121 is his call sign and the 121 is a nod towards he and she one to one

Reviews

[E.V. Black]

You know, I just love how you retook the traditional tale and made it your own. I never liked Romeo and Juliet from the start when I first read it. I thought it ridiculous how two people could fall in love without really knowing each other. I know that many people would counter me with the support about how you never really know who your soul mate is or you sometimes just know who that mate is. Yes, I understand that, but really knowing someone comes from time, patience, and understanding. A true relationship is built from the sharing of feelings over a course of time; Romeo and Juliet met but a scarce few times in the actual play.

Besides my rant, I think you sweep aside the fact that they barely know each other. I love how there is a real and honest reason for the couple's urgency. It makes their love more believable. Plus, I just frigging love Shakespeare. Period. Your language is so lyrical that it almost makes me believe that you're Shakespeare himself, especially with those lovely comments you leave on my works. You have true art in your words.

This piece really shines, and I love it. Frigging love it.

[Seshat Nidaba]

I appreciated the original of this idea! Sounds like a post-apocalyptic love story if I ever heard one! Excellent.

Shadow, this is so rich and vivid, and sad and a true piece of Romance captivated in such beautiful story telling poetry, your words gave me the shivers of beauty, and purity, and a tear on my cheek. Thank you for such a wonderous part of imagery and truly heartfelt reality in this world how it is. Stunning! x

[Raspberry Rebel]

You are an awesome poet. your work has come on in leaps and bounds. A very emotive piece *hug*

[InkSlinger]

Enjoyed this alot.. downright perfect!!
It left me with goose bumps too.

[Kelz]

This was an amazing and beautiful write. I got goose pimples reading this and a lump in my throat. Wonderful x

[Allen Smuckler]

Holy....freaking.....wow!!!
Absolutely wonderfully penned and narrated...My goodness
The style of this write took me back in time....but as we know...like war, love is endless....and timeless...I was so moved by this and touched by the tragedy and the senselessness...Carry on, IYS
I really did love this style and your beautiful use of rhyme
Excellent!!!
allen

[Daytonight]

What a poignant tale of the star-crossed pair. True to Shakespearean Romeo and Juliet, yet modern. Bravo! (Even though I hate the way it ends.^^) Great work dear brother. Keep on penning.

[J Todd Underhill]

Fabulous retelling of this tale, I like the verse and narration mixed... must log this to memory so I can try it with a dufferent tale. I can see this is a work in progress and know you are having computer problems, so I am going to leave the slip ups to be caught on the editing process!