An anti-war protest poem, on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, by Concetta, exclusively for Different Truths.

On a winter's day in late February,
Life changed for millions of people.
Bombs suddenly, without warning,
Burst all around, hitting several cities in a quiet and peaceful country.
It was not a celebration of colours in the sky
Rather it was freedom interrupted.
No, it was not by the dawn’s early light
'Stead it was by dark evening’s peace.
Without a care where they fell
Civilian casualties accumulated.
People knelt in the streets,
Blocking tanks, leaving, for a moment,
A bewildered enemy.
These people are strong and will never give in yet, they know, this has
The potential to be the worst armed conflict in Europe.
Those who are away, want to go home, are being called home,
To stand in line with their parents and grandparents
Never believing that one day
They would hold a rifle.
They look at the sky and the sea
And see the colour blue representing freedom and loyalty.
Then they think of hope, the colour yellow and are happy their flag represents both colours.
As their anthem proudly hails
“We will lay our soul and body for the cherished freedom.
Cossack blood will raise the nation of the joyous people.”
Democracies apply sanctions upon sanctions to a country that cares not.
Seize their yachts! Seize their accounts! Make their markets crash!
These individuals will not like it and perhaps, they will act
Against an autocracy that is just one among many that are cropping up around the world.
The bear is fighting a people used to hard labor and war.
They will not give up and they will not give in
A cry for freedom rings loud
Heard from the steppes to the cities.
Imagine a World where this stops!

Picture design by Anumita Roy, Different Truths

Concetta Pipia

Concetta Pipia is retired from environmental design, law, and business. She turned to writing and founded the Aspiring Writers’ Society and its e-zine, the AWS e-zine, where she is co-editor. Her poetry has been published in various anthologies, including “Expressions on War,” “Purush Anthology,” “Poetry on a Plate with Spicy Mango,” etc., and e-literary magazines, including “Different Truths.” Concetta is a certified well-life coach who loves horticulture and dogs.