In Kharkiv Fields

(after McCrae)

In Kharkiv fields sunflowers grew
Before the tanks came rolling through.
—Now countless crushed beneath the tread,
—And others bent, and others fled;
The petals now a reddish hue.

Here lie the Dead: the days are few
—Since they lived and breathed and knew
—That they were free. They rest their heads
——-In Kharkiv fields.

They still held fast; though rockets flew
They stood to fight each day anew.
—And through the still-dark days ahead,
—That may bring joy or may bring dread,
Sunflowers stand, yet one or two,
——-In Kharkiv fields.

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written April 14, 2022