The Aftermath

Written by: Parinaaz Bains

Edited by: Joshya Mudaliar

Illustrated by: Deepshikha Banerjee

The scenery is the same,

Unaffected by the year’s past

But beholds a notorious fame

Now that I have come back at last - 

I have this town memorized

Like the back of my hand.

Events that occurred once when summarized

Seem transient like footsteps on sand

Fire flashes in my head

Enormous flames licking the buildings

And swallowing up the dead;

But that's not written in the official findings

The cobbled street still possesses a singe

Only I recall its authentic, brilliant scarlet hue

I think of what caused the change and cringe

The times were gloomy, distraught and blue.

War is easier on the departed

The innocents get slain

And the murderers get martyred

While every living should harmonizes it's pain

Now everything is done with

And my house still stands,

But to find the laughter it was filled with

I'll have to travel to the other land.

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