WAR...

WINTER SUNSET

Such skies came to worry me

On the eve of great battles:

Clouds soaked in blood of the dying day

That made the horses restless,

So the soothsayers were summoned

But kept their mouths shut

About the meaning of it

Even when shown the naked sword.

The gloomy heavens made gloomier

By the shadow play of unknown tribes.

And their heroes on the run.

The white church tower of the First Congregational

Clutching its bird-shaped weather vane

Against it all, but the village deserted.

Not a soul in sight. The people indoors

Afraid to get up and turn on the lights.

Some young farm woman, dress unbuttoned,

A small child on her knees,

Its head turning away from her full breast...

Eyes full of the sky's terror and luster.

~Charles Simic

From: "The Book of Gods and Devils"