The setting is World War II. He called her his Sunflower. He was her Sunshine.
Sunflower, Sunflower,
Dancing on the Wind
Sunflower, Sunflower,
Dance with me again?
You were my little flower
The one I treasured most
Even separated by the sea
I knew that we were close
Amidst blood and gunfire,
I had received your dispatch
While I read, I discovered
You were another man’s catch
My heart sank within my chest
You were his to love, not mine
Then soldiers were called to action,
Sent to hold the battle line
You can’t nurse an aching heart
While war rages all around
Still I tried to fix my heart
While artillery bore down
You were the distraction
That costed my all
Now I wonder
As angels sound their call
As my bones shatter
As my heart slow its beat
Had you ever really loved me,
With love both pure and sweet?
Had your heart ever been mine,
As mine was always yours?
I ponder this though
With soldiers dying by the scores
I hope this man loves you
As I did with all my heart
Now I must say good bye
For death is tearing us apart
Sunflower, Sunflower,
I now must bid you adieu
Sunflower, Sunflower,
My heart still belongs to you
Sunshine, Sunshine,
Lighting all I see
Sunshine, Sunshine,
Why did you leave me?
You were my beaming sun,
The one I loved the most
But then came the war
And we were no longer closer
I sent so many letters
Few received a reply
Do you know how many nights
I went to sleep and cried?
Loneliness ate away
At both my life and soul
My heart was missing half
When once it had been whole
Days bled together
As I awaited your return
I tried so hard not to feel
But still my heart did yearn
I dream of those days
When you vowed never to leave
I dream of days
When I wore my heart upon my sleeve
Why does this hurt so much,
The loneliness and ache?
Why won’t God return you,
At least for my heart’s sake?
Are you alive, love?
Do you hear me still?
I promised I would wait
And wait for you I will
Even if the pain
Kills me before you come back
Even if you fall
From an enemy’s attack
But now there’s a man
With his arms open wide
He eases the pain
I feel on the inside
The heart-splitting pain
EasesΒ when he is around
I no longer feel
As if I’m being drowned
And so with trembling hand
I write my last letter
I hope you find someone
Who is so much better
I lean back, so the ink
Isn’t ruined by my tears
I sob, for this letter
Is among your greatest fears
Sunshine, Sunshine,
I am far beyond selfish, it’s true
Sunshine, Sunshine,
I’m sorry I didn’t wait for you
I wrote the second part of this poem a few days later, after my little sister told me what a terrible person his “Sunflower” must have been. As a writer, I was reminded that there are two sides to every story–and to every poem. Have any of you ever heard one side of the story and thought one thing, but then you heard the other side and your perspective completely shifted?
(she who must not be named)
September 14, 2016 - 5:23 pm ·(claps)W…O…W WOW. That was beautiful! Lol, it was sad (but that’s great). Interesting I never saw poetry that way. Hmmm one of the poems I’ve read made me shift in perspectives about a couple, the woman told him to leave her alone so I thought he was just being in sensitive, later to find out it was better for her not to be alone. Thanks for the great poem! I thought you were just putting it as an example from someone, to find later you were the poet. As I read poetry ill pay attention more to the two sides;)
Elizabeth Newsom
September 17, 2016 - 5:08 pm ·Why, thank you! I’m so glad you got something from it π I find poetry is a great outlet for emotions–especially ones like sadness and anger.
Hannah
September 18, 2016 - 5:24 pm ·I was quite unhappy when I had to write poetry for school, since emotions and descriptions are my least favorite parts of writing, but I think it did some good. At the very least, I practiced writing more interesting and visually-oriented descriptions. It also made me exercise my Se more, since that is my weakest function.
Elizabeth Newsom
September 21, 2016 - 12:49 pm ·Ah, I can see that. Poetry does seem to be centered on emotions. Well, I’m glad you got something out of it. I’ve found it comes more easily the more often you do it, and it really helps me with my emotional control. π Do you think you’ll include any poetry in your books?
Brenna
September 15, 2016 - 12:20 pm ·I didn’t know you wrote poetry, Liz! This is beautiful- although I like the first part best. Also, I really shouldn’t be laughing- but I can just picture your sister saying that. π It’s always cool when we get to see the other side of the story. That’s one reason I like the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, despite it constantly being bashed- it tells the other side of the story, allowing us to understand Darth Vader.
Elizabeth Newsom
September 17, 2016 - 5:09 pm ·I’m just kind of trying it out π It’s part of school, and I’m really enjoying it! I like the prequel trilogy too. And I don’t blame you for laughing at all π So glad you liked it! Thank you, Brenna π
Hannah
September 16, 2016 - 9:29 pm ·This poems are beautiful! Very tragic too. You did an amazing job with them. It’s such a horrible position for two people to be in. There really is no way for it to turn out well. Magnificent poems that capture the heart of the dilemma – great job, keep sharing!
Elizabeth Newsom
September 17, 2016 - 5:10 pm ·Thank you, Hannah! I’m glad you liked it, and thank you so much for the encouragement and support π
Gracen
September 17, 2016 - 2:30 am ·Wow, your poetry is really good. My analysis: If the guy really liked her he would have written more often. Personally, I think he deserved it. But then if the girl had really loved him she would have waited for him…
Elizabeth Newsom
September 17, 2016 - 5:23 pm ·Oh, but Gracen! It’s hard to write back during a war. People are busy doing stuff like dying. Most people who have heard the poems say it’s the girl’s fault for not waiting, so it’s interesting to hear your perspective π