Sacrifice by Fire

Kay,*

I know this is an older one by you and I have read it before a very long time ago but I've never had the chance to come back and comment. I'm glad I've gotten the chance now.

This piece had everything needed to make a thought-provoking and well written poem. The concept is something spoken about often in words of tragedy but I don't believe I've read a poem on here as detailed and with an emotional impact as you've penned. The imagery and detail was haunting, I was particularly fond of how you incorporated the emotion those who died had felt when you mentioned 'humiliated'. I studied this during high school and too often that moment before death is forgotten, how those were feeling and humiliated isn't an emotion discussed. It's fear, pain but as I said humiliation is generally forgotten and now that you've said it I can't even imagine the humiliation those were feeling.

I thought it was clever how you placed yourself in the shoes of a survivor, you could tell you really tried to channel this character, it was evident through the emotion and agony in your tone and words. I can't imagine it was an easy task to do but you really did a great job at this difficult task you set yourself.

"as I raise the branded arm
that feeds me,
the cursor to my life's tragedy.
Remove it you say?
I dare not
Lest someone forget,
not that I ever could,"

This is the part of the poem that hit me most. I liked how you included the "lest someone forget" it reminded me of the term used here in Australia for the soldiers on Anzac day. It also reminded me of how we tend to remember those soldiers who died during war more than the casualties such as those of the Holocaust when all should be mourned.

-Mel

Very poignant. Made me think of my grandfather and all that he went through. It's a very good write. Keep up the good work.

And so it begins...
Forgiveness: Giving up all hope of a better past..
Always the question:...Can we forgive ourselves?

You have dramatically and effectively delivered here.

An amazing write. Gave me the goosebumps! You have a unique skill here, and you should be proud. You took a subject most ppl wouldn't think of writing about, and you made it work so well.

it's etched in every crevice of
my yesterdays, my todays,
your tomorrows.

Those were my favorite lines. Brilliant use of words. This was a powerful write, keep up the great work!

-Ashlei

Congrats Kay, much deserved win indeed.
Very sad event to talk about but you wrote with so much grace.
Few days back only i was watching everything in details (Discovery channel) and couldnt stop my tears.

Congrats once again for the win

all the best and take care