Retribution

Retribution

A Poem by Beth Elaina
"

A poem written for my novel, in the early stages.

"

 

I failed to return
When my family needed me
Now they're dead and they are gone
And I'm left here to bleed
 
I failed to defend
Those who fought and died alone
I'm a traitor to my country
An exile from my home
 
I failed to forewarn
And they were taken by surprise
My silence is what killed them
I caused their demise
 
I failed to prepare
Those boys thrust into war
One by one they were struck down
'Twas my sin that they died for
 
I failed to arise
When my people called my name
They were ground into the dust
How can I bear my shame?
 
We failed in our duty
And dug our city's grave
We are the guilty ones

And now we must repay

© 2008 Beth Elaina


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Speaking on behalf of those of us who do not yet know the plot of this story...WOW! Just wow. I'm intrigued...WHERE IS THIS STORY!



Posted 17 Years Ago


First of all, I feel kind of like I am cheating, since I know the plot to the story...

That said, I think that even if I didn't know the plot, the poem has significance and symbolism on a number of levels. On one level, it relays the feelings of anyone caught in a war situation - specifically anyone who was called to arms in the American Civil War or Europe in WWII (I am reminded of the German seige of Leningrad in Russia...) On another, the line about the traitor said to me 'Benedict Arnold.'

I could go on and on....

Great work! I hope to see more!

Posted 17 Years Ago



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Added on February 12, 2008

Author

Beth Elaina
Beth Elaina

Portland, OR



About
I've been writing for as long as I have been able hold a pencil and formulate words. But it was only recently that I decided that I really wanted some other people to read my work, because, as flawed.. more..

Writing
Respite Respite

A Poem by Beth Elaina



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