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
