Melanie Hawkes started writing in 2019 and enjoys flash fiction and poetry. She also makes art with bottle tops and other found items, and enjoys pyrography (wood burning). She joined the Society of Women Writers Western Australia in 2020 and has been published in their yearly anthologies since. She hopes to write her memoir one day, focussing on what her three assistance dogs have taught her. She lives with her retired dog Upton.
Ukraine
By MELANIE HAWKES
Bullets fire, bombs fall, missiles strike Horrific images glow on my TV The Russian army invades Ukraine Into neighbouring countries they flee Mothers, fathers, sons and daughters Their lives will never be the same World leaders imposed sanctions on Russia Yet are powerless to stop Putin’s game Ukrainian men join the army As their wives and children shelter Buildings fall, bridges are bombed, many die Essentials are scarce, like food, heat and water Worldwide governments send supplies To fight the Russians out of Ukraine I watch the news and hope and pray That peace can be restored again