Symphony of Destruction - The Fourth Movement (Ashes of the Fallen)

The conclusion of the Symphony of Destruction series, my fantasy caricature on wars today. Hope you like it!!

Symphony of Destruction - The Fourth Movement (Ashes of the Fallen)

At long last, silence descends upon the scorched, broken earth. 

A veil of rain cascades over desolate valleys and plains

Shrouding years of torment and twisted, bitter pain

Upon the throes of destruction it calls, for the slain and the lost

At last they all see now, victory's hefty, vindictive cost. 

The final embers of hate now slowly burn out

As the blood haze begins to lift from your vision, 

And only now, you see clearly, 

As regret begins to claim you from the inside out. 

And all around you, they stare unseeing and motionless

And yet the terror of their last breaths are still captured in their eyes,

Still written on their faces, 

As many a bitter family weeps in grief

For someone they shall never see again. 

Far beyond the soulless and the lands of molten steel

Deep within the dismemberment of mercy and the hatred you made real

The dead wind blows across the bloodied valley of the slain, 

The final, empty voice of the fallen

For the ashes they have become. 

What blessed memories shall continue to remain

When we are constantly reminded of the evil inside us?

Across blood-soaked mud and broken swords

Over shields of flesh and sorrow's empty chords

Could we ever see what could have been

If we did not give ourselves over to the hatred within?

Beyond wastelands of ice and frozen hearts

The silent screams of the lost rip the skies apart. 

And yet it still stands, deep within those still remaining, 

A golden glimpse of respite for the empty, scarred world

That still makes the forgotten look to the sky

As the clouds part from their hearts, 

And as the sun's rays rake the world at long last. 

The final vestiges of hope rise from the ashes of nothingness

Slowly kindled by the few that rise up from their refuges

And begin to rebuild their lives. 

Silenced are the guns of fury and hate,

If only we all knew it's still not too late.  

Author's Note

Look out for the previous installments, the original Symphony of Destruction, Symphony of Destruction - The Second Movement (Black Sky, Red Rain). and the third, Symphony of Destruction - The Third Movement (The Bloodstained Moon).

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

the cost of war always outweighs the gains from it.
it is never the answer although sometimes forced upon one country to defend itself against another...but nobody ever really wins...
there are only losses...still waiting for that 200 years of peace to come before the end of everything.
powerful write here.

[emipoemi]

I just realized this is the "fourth movement" but it moved me so much that I seriously want to know how the other three read. If it's as good, then I'm for it, for this is incredible. I hear a musical number in this, but I also hear a sermon. A type of sermon unlike I have ever heard before. I was taken into another world with this - holy kwap! And the rhymes, internal rhymes, half rhymes, assonances......! I need to take a breath! Way - to - go! Well freaking done! Much enjoyed!

[Desiree B.]

Loved this poem! Your voice was prominent throughout and the imagery was breathtaking. Each stanza made me want to read more.

[Katrina Mckeown]

very well penned, descriptive and god use of imagery!

[Coyote Poetry]

I enjoyed the complete poem. The strong description and amazing language brought me in and you held me to the last word. I like the strength and the purpose of the poem. No weakness in the outstanding poem.
Coyote

[Valentine]

Fantastic write and oh so true..wars do not do anything but destroy people and dreams..

[Norma M Sutton]

Sadly I'm afraid we may live to see this one play out :(

[Hippy]

it is rather dark. has a bunch of descriptive words