Love in the time of war

In the distance
A bell rings
Once, twice, and then thrice.


In the sky
A lightning strikes
Once, twice, and then thrice.


Meanwhile, they embraced
Yearning for each other
Unwilling to let go,
Only the throbbing beats of their hearts
On their side,
The sky weeping the tears
Of their pain.


Where love was but a language
Alien, and incomprehensible
Nobody cared
How they loved.


The final call,
Amidst the thunder
“Retreat, time to depart.”


One lingering kiss,
The last, for both lifetimes.