Haibun: Peace Memorial

My father told us stories about the World War II when Imperial Japan occupied the Philippines (1942-1945) and he and his family retreated into hiding in the far south, away from the city.  My grandfather worked as a spy for the Americans and being half-American, he was easily the target of the enemy.      

My mom's family on the other hand, had to burn their house.  A lot of houses were actually burned as they did not want the Japanese army to use them.   Those years were difficult as normal life came at a standstill and treachery was met with instant death by bayonet. Cruelty to citizens and lack of respect for women were the norm as evidenced by stories of comfort women.  So when the Japanese surrendered and left the Philippines, everyone rejoiced in the streets.  

Radio news would later on reveal the details of the full horrors of war and victory over Japan.  Freedom came with a price.   

i light a candle

for all war's dead - victims, soldiers-

ashen clouds linger-

Posted for dVerse Poets Pub - Haibun Monday - Peace Memorial - Hosted by pub guest, Frank J. Tassone.  We are commemorating Hiroshima Day with our own poetry! We are to write a haibun that states or alludes to either the Hiroshima attack, or one of the themes of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, such as peace, the abolition of nuclear weapons, or the horror of nuclear war.