I thought I should at least
stay awake while the Ukrainians died,
to celebrate the nameless heroes
who gave everything for a word –
“Freedom.”
May the angels wrap their arms
around them and dry their bitter tears,
their last thought: a mother, a father,
a lover or a beautiful child.
Their shattered limbs bleeding out
as the cold and darkness enfolded them
they sang their death song
and joined the ancestors.
I thought someone should remember.
I thought someone should care.
I thought someone should at least
stay awake.



Syd Weedon
2/26/2022