Sadness – Page 44 – Iron Haiku

faces of the dead
constantly with me waiting
for my eyes to close
–
lost souls-
the silence
of the fen

much have I witnessed
during my earthly journey
and I am humbled
–
etched in stone-
recounting our
shared history

split in two at birth-
all these years spent searching for
that which makes me whole
–
wild horses-
where the river
meets the sea

an aging oak tree-
all our sins laid bare beneath
the outstretched branches
–
a shoe in the grass-
the tire swing
motionless

the burning forests-
gaia’s tears turn to embers
borne off by the wind
–
peals of thunder-
rain falling
on a wild fire

picking at breakfast
sitting across the table
from the ghost of you
–
wilted flowers-
your whisper
in my ear

searching for a trace
of the light behind your eyes
but making my peace
–
afterimage-
the candle
doused

I’ve struggled so long
stumbling through the darkness
blinded by the truth
–
awakening-
the light of
a false dawn

thoughts of the fallen-
those who purchased our freedoms
with their flesh and blood
–
old glory-
a red haze blinding
the dogs of war

wandering the earth
easing pain and suffering
collecting last breaths
–
a copse of trees-
bones
amid the litter