I see she’s been crying
by her wet puffy eyes
I see she’s been aging
troubles march across her faceHer dress- once flowery
is charred with terror
Her back-once straight
sags under worry-weightI sit with London
I share her pain
These needless deaths
What was there to gain?I won’t leave my London
with her blood -soaked dress
I’ll stay with my beloved
and help sort out the mess
©Vivian Zems
Jilly hosts dVerse tonight and asks us to write about a city we know/knew.
London is my city….and she’s in a lot of pain at the moment. Knife crime has swept the city- with the loss of many young lives.
April 10, 2018 at 9:11 pm
Its a sad statement of big city life isn’t it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 12, 2018 at 2:09 pm
It sure is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 10, 2018 at 9:20 pm
Excellent personification in your tough words! Our cities are a part of us and I see that in this poem. Thank you for sharing, Vivian.
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 10, 2018 at 9:35 pm
Wow, this is great – it’s so vivid!
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 12, 2018 at 2:02 pm
Thanks😊
LikeLike
April 10, 2018 at 10:41 pm
Effective description of the dress being “charred with terror” and “blood-soaked” with a resolution that she won’t be abandoned.
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 12, 2018 at 2:03 pm
Thanks Frank!
LikeLike
April 10, 2018 at 10:42 pm
Love that. Love London too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 12, 2018 at 2:04 pm
Thanks !
LikeLike
April 10, 2018 at 11:03 pm
Alas, and not just London. My hometown, historically one of the top ten places in America to raise children, this past year joined the top ten most dangerous places. Here, too, not necessarily gun related. Sad but beautifully written.
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 12, 2018 at 2:06 pm
Thank you. Indeed so sad…..where’s your hometown?
LikeLike
April 13, 2018 at 2:34 am
My hometown — though I haven’t been there in decades — is Minneapolis, Minnesota. It used to be beautiful (in late Spring through early Fall). Urban rot … with whatever causes … has seeped into it. It’s pandemic, I’m afraid.
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 13, 2018 at 6:59 am
So sad 😯
LikeLike
April 10, 2018 at 11:13 pm
Sorry to hear of stabbings
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 12, 2018 at 2:06 pm
😟. Sad indeed, thanks
LikeLike
April 10, 2018 at 11:39 pm
That’s brave of you. I find the energy of London quite terrifying sometimes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 12, 2018 at 2:05 pm
I’m looking forward to a retirement in the country side😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 11, 2018 at 1:37 am
So sad to read about this ~ I hope that your city finds its place, peace and calm.
LikeLike
April 11, 2018 at 4:07 am
Well done Vivian! London has been through a lot over the years and I don’t imagine it will get better any time soon.
dwight
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 12, 2018 at 2:07 pm
It’s tough all around…thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 11, 2018 at 8:41 am
I like the personification, Viv, and share your despair. xxx
LikeLike
April 12, 2018 at 4:05 pm
It seems all our homes are bleeding now, doesn’t it? A beautiful affirmation. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 12, 2018 at 7:52 pm
It seems so . Thank you😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 12, 2018 at 7:13 pm
Wonderful personification of London!
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 12, 2018 at 7:49 pm
Thanks Lillian😊
LikeLike
April 14, 2018 at 2:59 pm
Beautiful and heartrending write, Vivian! Brings back memories. I spent my spring semester of college in 1992 in London. By halfway through the term, my American accent softened so much that the average Londoner took me for an Australian. I even gave directions to an out-of-town couple!
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 14, 2018 at 3:35 pm
Awww- that’s so delightful! I bet the accent’s back now!
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 14, 2018 at 4:07 pm
My American one? Yeah–a watered-down Bronx version, from my day job! LOL!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
April 15, 2018 at 2:48 pm
Lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person