Out of Ashes

do not go to Lidice

unless your heart is strong

else it will break in pieces

for standing taller than in life

varying in size, build and height

eighty two children cast in bronze

a monument to defy what took place

a village emptied in its entirety 

razed to the ground in reprisal

should you dare look further

into those haunted innocent faces 

you will see, confusion, misery

no teddy bear comfort there

little hands clutch elder siblings

in bewildered despair

do not go to Lidice

unless your heart is strong

do not go there

Reviews

[Lorry]

Had to look up the name and came across a page with such impact for its brevity, just like you have done here.
It said they tried to wipe it out of existence and failed, asit has been fully restored as a memorial and that many places across the globe now share its name in a show of unity.
A beautiful gesture that defies the hatred once visited upon them.
I think I'll give it a miss Chris, but beautifully penned.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Lorry. Pleased you looked it up and know the full story of what took place there. It's important we don't forget what happened. The least I could do was write a poem.

Chris

[Roland Petrov]

I won't go there. I didn't even know about it until I read your poem and looked it up. Now I know. What horror for those poor people. I won't go there.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Roland, especially for researching Lidice out and learning what happened there. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Eilis]

Even without knowing the specificity of the place and event, I am deeply moved by this poem, Chris. You have created such an atmosphere that speaks to the horror and helplessness of both the children and the witnesses to history. When we are faced with such horrible atrocities but have no power to stop them or affect any change, it can be so difficult to come to terms with the past.

And even now, we still face such awful things and so the past and present compound and we stand ever more helpless. The devastation is so clear here through your poem. These children who are larger in death than in life--the unnamable things that were done to them--how do we face these events, these facts and not feel despair. It is near impossible. And your poem shows that human dilemma so well.

My heart aches for the senseless slaughters of the past. Thank you for sharing such a moving and commemorative poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Your reviews are always so thoughtful Eilis. The least I could do when I read about this situation was to remember those poor souls in a poem. It:s important we don't forget the cruelty that our own species is capable of. Many thank yous. All good wishes and keep safe.

Chris

[Katrina Mckeown]

I also had to look this up Anne.. This is such a harrowing poem.. those poor children 😭😭😭.. heart wrenching for their parents /relatives also .. it’s difficult to comprehend such cruelty existed. They will not be forgotten those poor innocent children .. great tribute to them and their families.
Kind regards Katrina x

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Katrina, what happened to those poor children and their parents was horrific. I came across Lidice by chance and was determined to make sure they weren't forgotten. Many thanks for calling on my poem. Hope all is OK with you my friend in these days of uncertainty.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

heart wrenching but necessary to never forget these horrors that human beings committed against human beings ... the evil in it is complete .. Marie Uchytilova did great justice in the faces of those children ... i think you tribute is perfect .. wouldn't dare think to change a thing .. so emotive .. it places a weight on me that demands i remember .. and pray for better .. God bless you Christine .. this free verse is stunning in power to move the reader .. well done! :(((((((((((((((((((((((
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Mr E, I came across Lidice by chance, but once I had read about what took place there I was compelled to write. My own way of ensuring they won't be forgotten. Yes Marie U did do great justice to the children. The monument is haunting. Many thank yous for calling on this poem. I know it doesn't lift spirits but it's important we never forgot what our wretched species is capable of. Sending you warm wishes on a lovely sunny day across the pond.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

i agree ..it is very important ...

[Betty Hermelee]

It is always difficult to see a monument of sacrificed children, murdered for no reason. I think you may be referring to World War 11; or some such disaster, where children are being memorialized. Perhaps this person desiring to go to Lidice has a relative there, but the speaker fears his/her heart will be broken if he visits. This is definitely a warning of the heart. Nicely written Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Betty. Yes, this poem does refer to what took place in ww2. I came across Lidice by chance when reading. I felt compelled to write this poem. It never ceases to amaze me how cruel the human race can be. Hope you are OK and I appreciate your visit my friend.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

I thought so, lovely piece, well meaning poetry

[Gee]

Had to Google
Good morning Chris. Beggars belief what man can do to fellow man.
Beautifully sad words.
Hope you are well Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

It does beggar belief doesn't it Gee? How cruel we are as a species. I couldn't visit, but the least I can do is write a poem to remember what took place there. All OK here. Keeping safe and only venturing out for food and exercise. Hope you and yours are OK. Good to have everything in order at the sites for a return to work. Bet that took some doing.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

My heart bleeds as I read these words, nothing more terrible than those days of pain. May God heals the wounds of those in pain. Never forget the pain ;-[

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Weeping willow. I could never go there, but neither could I ignore what took place there. Writing about it, keeps those children in our thoughts and prayers. Our hope that history doesn't repeat itself, but you look around the world and sadly.....

Many thanks for your visit. Keep safe my friend.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Stunning!
Is there anything more spiritually wretched than parents who cannot save their precious, all-trusting children?
May God grant every victim peace.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy. An awful atrocity took place in that village as well as the concentration camps and we must never forget. I came across this piece of history by accident. It had to be remembered.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

It is difficult to rationalize man's behavior to his fellow man
I believe the Mongols, the Japanese etc. were every bit as cruel but we all now, mostly live in harmony
Yes these things should be revisited just to make sure they never happen again, although, based on mankind's history, that could be a bit much to expect.
The other day a guy smashed through a partially opened car window in an attempt to kill a dog (smaller sample of the same mindset)
Be very careful how U rearrange those flower pots
And a pleasant good afternoon 2U

[Chris Shaw]

I am sming at the plant pot reference. Yes, you are right. It never ceases to amaze me the cruelty in some people. Not just towards their own species, but to animals too. It is important that we remember and if possible with events taking place nowadays ensure those people who inflict such misery, get punished. Thank you for your visit and best wishes from the UK at 3.16am :))

Chris

[Dave Brown]

Tsk, tsk.............you sound like my mother used to be.
She just couldn't sleep