The Fallen Meadow

They were off to war! The merry men

At long last, to bring an end

To their enemy, that hated race

And return home in song and praise

By day they crossed long mountain roads

Their nights were filled with glory and hope

For they were a brave and noble power

And this, now, was their hour

Then they came across a blooming meadow

And their forms cast a dreadful shadow

On the blooms; pure, bright and fine

That in the sun, did glow and shine

They paused, for it was in their way

They could not go, they could not stay

Beyond was their dreams of glory

But before them was a living story

For a long time, they stood and looked

Till, at last, the General spoke

“Onward men! For the greater good!”

And the blossoms were trampled underfoot

They went, they won, they returned in praise

Many toasts in their name were raised

But the meadow they trampled in their power

Never again bloomed a single flower

Copyright © 2019 by Kwek Yi Zhen

Originally from: http://poemsforocassions.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-fallen-meadow.html

A Rainy Afternoon

The rain hums just outside

The world’s cast in a grey light

As the clouds shift in the unshifting sky

And the wind passes sleepily by

The air is cool, the breeze is sweet

The earth and rain in rhythm meet

To form a soothing symphony

Which fills the ears so pleasantly

To this stage bold birds fly

Between the rain, against the sky!

And to those peering through windows

Their forms appear as darting shadows

That dance and rise, that swoop and fall

There for a moment or maybe not at all

For the rain provides its own curtain

And behind its veils the dancers are hidden

Till the rain eases and all we can see

The buildings, the people, the birds, the trees

And with one last chord that strains and falls

The symphony sounds its final call

For the wind soars high and blows away

The clouds to rain another day

And as they drift away without a care

They leave a memory that they were there

Copyright © 2018 by Kwek Yi Zhen

Originally from: http://poemsforocassions.blogspot.com/2018/11/a-rainy-afternoon.html

Mars

Lightning strikes, the wind blows

The leaves on high are laid down low

And in the gap of sky amongst the stars

There shines alone, the planet Mars

Silent it watches the battle below

A flash and with it, a million souls

Cries and shouts as the thunder roars

Agony, pain and so much more

The battle rages and men cry

Spirits wilt and spirits die

To overcome the need to flee

Seems beyond a soul like me

I look up, up to the sky!

To Mars shining aloof on high

And as I girdle myself to run and flee

I tell Mars sometimes it’s destiny

It remains silent, it won’t reply

Nor descend from the night sky

There’s no change in its red light

As it shines on the battle tonight

Yet as it gazes down on the field

I feel a spirit that will not yield

Always strong in the face of pain

Which falls only to stand again

Down it looks, down on me

And in its light there glows eternity

And a strength within I gain

To raise the sword once again

Mars! Mars! That unconquerable soul

Shining on high to those below

Unmoved by fears whatever the age

The shining hope of courage

Copyright © 2018 by Kwek Yi Zhen

Originally from: https://poemsforocassions.blogspot.com/2018/10/mars.html