Childhood memories
contain
agonising pain
flashbacks
the smell
of burning
skin
burnt cask
holds this
child within
frightened
running naked
from airborne
attack
napalm covering
body where
summer dress
use to be
shouting loudly
please help me
surrounded
by astounded
staring eyes
kindness of
a strange
her only hope
medical staff
surrendering
thought this
innocent child’s
tiny body
would not cope
devoured by
red hot flame
the shock
to her system
complete overload
dismissed as dead
sent to
the morgue
death hanging
over her head
questioning
why she was born
waiting to die
flesh
painfully coloured
with a
different shade
inked bloody red
constantly
greeted by
tear filled
the eyes
Kim Phuc
survived
the Vietnam war
a victim
of circumstance
another inhuman
accordance
no child stood
a chance
media found a
treasure
sympathy interviews
containing disguised
propaganda
tragedy sells
newspapers
no-one interested
in hearing her
voice
too hideously
ugly to be loved
dreams of hopeful
future destroy
victimisation
revisited not
out of choice
understandable
hatred
bitterness
and anger
become the
subjects she
was given
to learn
solace found
inside leather
bound books
hiding within
the library walls
to shut away
hideous looks
time heals
only with
an element of
courageous
inner strength
bravery
absolution
compassion to
pardon those
who stole away
her childhood
to find peace
to hold
forgiveness
her chosen solution
not to remain
a photography
in countless
history books
learning to live
with her
disfigured looks
Kim Phuc
I will never
meet you
we are about
the same age
your story
inspires me
fills me with
fury and rage
along with
admiration
for your
everlasting
determination
not to live
your life within
a victimisation
may you be
remembered
may your
light forever
shine
lest we all
forget this
unspeakable
war crime.
MM c2015
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