This poem reminds me of “Life is Beautiful,” the Italian movie by Roberto Benigni, released in 1997. Do you remember it? I thought it was very good, but some people who watched with me did not like the way the father in the movie dealt with his truly heartrending dilemma.
WORDS WHISPERED TO A CHILD UNDER SIEGE
No, we are not going to die.
The sounds you hear
knocking the windows and chipping the paint
from the ceiling, that is a game
the world is playing.
Our task is to crouch in the dark as long as we can
and count the beats of our own hearts.
Good. Like that. Lay your hand
on my heart and I’ll lay mine on yours.
Which one of us wins
is the one who loves the game the most
while it lasts.
Yes, it is going to last.
You can use your ear instead of your hand.
Here, on my heart.
Why is it beating faster? For you. That’s all.
I always wanted you to be born
and so did the world.
No, those aren’t a stranger’s bootsteps in the house.
Yes, I’m here. We’re safe.
Remember chess? Remember
hide-and-seek?
The song your mother sang? Let’s sing that one.
She’s still with us, yes. But you have to sing
without making a sound. She’d like that.
No, those aren’t bootsteps.
Sing. Sing louder.
Those aren’t bootsteps.
Let me show you how I cried when you were born.
Those aren’t bootsteps.
Those aren’t sirens.
Those aren’t flames.
Close your eyes. Like chess. Like hide-and-seek.
When the game is done you get another life.
-Joseph Fasano
Gladsome Lights 
I loved that movie, and the poem is very similar.
AMDG
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Oh what heartbreak in that poem… and I couldn’t watch the movie… same reason
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Oh my. Like the others said, so beautiful. Loved the movie.
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I’m familiar with the movie but have not watched it. It sounds full of desperate hope in spite of obvious horror. I do love the last line of the poem.
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I watched the movie quite a few years ago and remember being very shocked at the ending. I was so hoping they would both survive. The father was very brave.
The poem is reminiscent of the movie. Heartbreaking and lovely.
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Lorrie, regarding another more successful survival story, I am reading your book!
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A quick question – where did you get the Writers Against AI image? I’d love to put it on my blog.
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I think it was on Substack somewhere- I’ll check and let you know.
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I cried. Pure and simple. I could feel my pulse racing along with the poem!
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I know what you mean, about the racing pulse.
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The poems you share are so beautiful.
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Wow! That’s a somber poem, isn’t it? It really communicates a parent’s love. I like it. Sending love and prayers your way, GJ! xo
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Thank you, KG – love to you, too ❤️
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