The Fallen Meadow

The Fallen Meadow

By May Kwek

They were off to war! The merry men

At long last, to bring an end

To their enemy, that hated race

And return home in song and praise

By day they crossed long mountain roads

Their nights were filled with glory and hope

For they were a brave and noble power

And this, now, was their hour

Then they came across a blooming meadow

And their forms cast a dreadful shadow

On the blooms; pure, bright and fine

That in the sun, did glow and shine

They paused, for it was in their way

They could not go, they could not stay

Beyond was their dreams of glory

But before them was a living story

For a long time, they stood and looked

Till, at last, the General spoke

“Onward men! For the greater good!”

And the blossoms were trampled underfoot

They went, they won, they returned in praise

Many toasts in their name were raised

But the meadow they trampled in their power

Never again bloomed a single flower

Copyright © 2019 by May Kwek

A Million Cranes

A Million Cranes

By May Kwek

Fold me a million cranes

A thousand is not enough

To get by in this crazy world

So unpredictable and rough

For it winds and it bends

In shadows and in mists

Nothing clear, nothing certain

But that it exists

So yes fold me a thousand cranes

And then a thousand times more

For with so many living wings

I’m sure no one could fall

For their wings could bear up a dream

And spark a perennial hope

And with stubborn dreams despite anguish

And with faith we can cope

And find a way to go on

Despite the trials of life

The dark moments, the silence

The conflicts and the strife

So yes fold me a million cranes

And give them wings to fly

Up to the heavens to shine as stars

Against the world’s night sky

And there let them fly forever

Yes, forever and a day

Until our faith is strong enough

To bring us the rest of the way

Copyright © 2019 by May Kwek