Shattered

 to Volodymyr Zelenskyy

They built a refuge of hope,

watched their borders,

and waited for the world's response.

Tanks and shells,

bombs and artillery,

weapons and missiles;

an arsenal of destruction

rained upon their homeland,

destroyed their dreams.

They fought the ruthless enemy,

a merciless, brutal tyrant;

as civilians died

in their homes,

in their schools,

in their hospitals.

Their refuge of hope

was bombed and burned.

Citizens of Ukraine

now praying to God

through shattered windows.

Waking each morning

to face  vacant days

and hollow tomorrows. 

© 2022 Richard Havenga