THE DEATH OF HOPE(for meatgrinderman)

By Zhee


(this is one of my older works.......quite old actually!)




The loud blasting sound was followed by a sudden silence. Everything grew quiet...too quiet. The rubble and debris from the explosion enshrouded everything. Then from out of nowhere came the sound of gunshots, putting those who had escaped the horror to eternal sleep.

He managed to wriggle out from under the table which weighed down on him with the debris spilled on top. It took all the strength in his frail body, but he managed, pushing away the dirt with his tiny hands.

He stood there looking at the destruction that surrounded him with its glacial hands. This was his home; at least it used to be. Barely nine, yet he could comprehend what the menacing atmosphere around him was all about. There was a strange silence, dark, cold, with the smell of death everywhere.

The walls that were once flawlessly white were now crumbling with blood splattered over them, a tribute to the beast dwelling under the cover of humanity. He could see the bodies lying on the road, slaughtered mercilessly in the name of prejudice without rectitude which man finds justified.

The truth of his loss dawned upon him. He stood there, with tears streaming down and freezing on his face with cold. He could see no recourse, no hope, no life. And for the first time his innocent mind perceived the world with all its disease-ridden glory.

Darkness crept in, stealthily enveloping everything under its shadows. Even then, the sound of distant firing continued to overwhelm him while a new fear evolved within. He simply could not shake himself free from the manacles of horror that bound him. He knew it wouldn’t be long till a screaming bullet would appear from the oblivion and silence him forever.

Unauthorized Copying Is Prohibited. Ask the author first.
Copyright 2004 Zheala
Published on Monday, October 18, 2004.     Filed under: "Short Story"
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Comments on "THE DEATH OF HOPE(for meatgrinderman)"

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  • A former member wrote: very well done indeed. leaves one a lot to ponder, and a sadness. great write.

  • A former member wrote: this is so true with the current conflicts around this part of the world tho i believe, in war there is always blood..and blood is blood no matter where its shed or from whome..

  • A former member wrote: though i kinda dislike the way stanzas 3 n 4 ended

  • A former member wrote: gud write, liked the way u finished, i cud actually see the bullet hit the boy

  • A former member wrote: Thank you so much, Zheala for showing a side of war which is often neglected. No war is just when children suffer most. *faves* *takes a bow, then explodes in flames* :) ~Shane~

  • A former member wrote: Beautiful! It does hold my attention like a vice, and it does paint a horrific picture in a very subtle way. And of course, it reminds me of none other than... DOWNTOWN BERUIT! :)

  • DarkDruidess On Monday, October 18, 2004, DarkDruidess (326)By person wrote:

    shattered innocence that paints a horrific picture...you have a way with words that grabs my attention...wonderful

  • DarkWolf On Monday, October 18, 2004, DarkWolf (415)By person wrote:

    This is an amazing write. Innocence lost in a terrible way. Held my attention like a vice. -Michael

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