Blue

A young boy runs across a field
Sun shining brightly on his face
His azure eyes reflect the sky
A sky that's coloured like the sea
He runs so swiftly, turns so quick
He pivots, moving like a knight
A voice calls out from far away
His mother calling him to eat.

Older now, his features are much changed
Boyish youth has left him, he looks grim
Dressed for war, he represents his king
Wearing royal blue, he steels himself
Dreams of heroism gone, he fights
Only to survive, but he lacks hope
There's no glory, only blood and gore
Sanguine rivers stain all in the end.

Horses gallop about grassy pastures so free
And the veteran watches them, smile on his face
See the painted one?  That one's Diablo, he's wild
Scout and Jasmine, those two make a trustworthy pair
The man hops off the fence as he hears a loud call
His wife's entered her labour, the midwife is there
Thoughts race fast through his head as he runs to the well
Filling buckets with water, he comes to the scene
His first child has been born, it's a strong, healthy boy
With eyes just like his father's, as blue as the sea.

The old man's breath, it rattles in his throat
His kin are near, concern quite evident
There were so many things he meant to tell
But Fate was cruel, he did not have his chance
He strains to speak, his children leaning close
He says he loves them, thanks them for being there
To them, he's more than just a frail old man
He's Father, with his kind yet fierce blue eyes
The strongest, greatest hero that they've known
He slips away and leaves them all alone.


Dedicated to the closest person to a grandfather I've known and of course, my own father.

Mission Statement

Hello, readers!

The goal of Paragraph and Verse is to give those who write creatively a place to put their writings out for others to see, whether put to paper as poetry or prose.  While not all subject matter may fall precisely under the term "child-friendly," I and the other admin will do our best to moderate that which is overly graphic.  If you wish to contribute or know someone who would like to, please send me an email.

I hope your stay will be an enjoyable one, and if you like what you see, please feel free to check back every few days - I do plan to write on a regular basis.

Thank you,
Austin