Tuesday, 22 July 2025

Shattered Summer Dreams by Jennie Hart

I planned to write of summer days
With brilliant skies and butterflies
But it was hard to separate
My lucky state from war and hate.
When summer heat is merciless
I can escape the sun’s excess
But think of life in Gaza
How a scorching day must feel
Exposed, no shade or shelter
Wounds that will never heal.
Every day we hear of ‘land grab’
The West Bank, Sudan, Ukraine
Few countries are content
With what they have
This desire for more
Is insane.

On an Afghan summer’s day

By decree

No girls and women walk the streets
None are allowed to play,
Compete at any sport
In a civilised, modern way
Why are life’s values shattered?
Why can countries not see what matters?
The Times They Are A-changin’
It was Dylan who said it
But show us Bob
What do you mean?
People laugh, people cry
People hurt, people die
Nothing has changed
Only in our dreams.

3 comments:

Irena Szirtes said...

Very glad to see a workshop poem on the blog Jennie. And like we said, absolutely no apologies for the content - this is an important part of your voice, keep expressing it 👍 👍👍

Suzie Pearson said...

Enjoyed hearing this the other night too!

Ann .R said...

Very strong poem so echos my feelings exactly