A White Horseman
Will it end, this summer heat,
oppressive siege like your absence?
No letter from you today—
nor did it rain—unbearable.
Earth and I thirst for your presence—
fill my garden with new blooms.
Twenty-three days with no word;
the earth cracks, the grass turns brown.
Last night thunder in the skies
returned with clouds, but no rain.
In my dreams you ride a white horse;
you wear black and do not speak.
Autumn winds relieve the drought;
a letter commends your acts.
Your bravery saved many lives;
your funeral complete with taps.
Quiet tears fill each of my nights
grieving victims of all wars.
John Daleiden is retired from 43 years of teaching Language Arts in Iowa Public Schools. He now lives in Phoenix, Arizona. He currently serves on the Editorial Board and Submissions Manager of Four Chambers: The Heart of Literature in Phoenix, Arizona (www.fourchamberspress.com) From 2006-2012, he was an editor and webmaster of Sketchbook: A Journal for Eastern and Western Short Forms.
John,
ReplyDeleteThe heat here in New York is unbearably hot...I can only imagine how hot it is in Iowa! Good poem.
Your new friend,
David Fox
Wow, such power within your words. You show many facets of intrigue within your awesome piece here. I really enjoyed reading this delightful poem here this evening, great work,
ReplyDeleteRussell
Great to read your poetry again John .Best wishes with all your creative endeavours.rgds Brian
ReplyDeleteWow! Very creative. I have admired your thought of A White Horseman. A master piece. Keep the fire burning.
ReplyDeleteAndrew Ntchindi Jere - Malawi
This is a nicely-written, touching poem, John. I enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing and continued blessings!
ReplyDelete-MJ (www.tgbtgpublictions.com)