I came across it half-hidden by snow
one sunlit winter evening
so peaceful that one could not hope to know
of horrors that once passed there.
But curiosity being what it is, I stopped
hoping to find out more, and when I did
I almost wish I hadn’t,
for now I cannot un-learn what I learned there.
The ruined Smolej farmhouse, sole remnant
of this small hamlet, nestled in a valley far from sight
atrocities well-hidden where
I read the legend in the waning light:
‘In retaliation for a partisan attack
on a group of German soldiers one week earlier
the Germans burned down the houses
and the outbuildings of Srednja Radovna.’
24 innocent villagers killed, trapped in the burning buildings
the youngest a seven-month-old child
the oldest an 81-year-old woman.
I wonder who survived to tell their tale?
‘The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep‘
beneath the snow and eighty-year-old ash
I cannot break their slumber,
nor un-remember tales of horrors past.
© Experimentsinfiction 2021, All Rights Reserved


That is just heartbreaking Ingrid. How awful!
Yup
Holy cow. That’s horrible.
Yes. Just another terrible war crime.
oh wow so well written describing such sadness and atoricities.. !❤️
I took a photo thinking it might be a ‘postcard from Slovenia,’ but when I found out the history it was too sad for that. I didn’t want to pass without saying anything though.
I can understand that!!! It was great history and important information! xo
Haunting.
It certainly was.
These things can never be unremembered once known. As many have said, an eye for an eye and soon the whole world is blind… (k)
Yes, just so sad.
Heartbreaking. 💔 Your curiosity may lead you to discover unpleasant and even horrific things, like this terrible scene, but keep looking and asking, and of course, writing.
We need to always remember what we as human beings are capable of, both good and bad 🙏
Absolutely. 💕
Heartbreaking Ingrid. But as you pointed out we do need to remember what we are capable of. Thank you for sharing.
Sending love.
Yes I felt I needed to say something. Thank you for reading. I hope you are well!
Your words are very powerful. It needed to be said. Yes, I am ok sweetheart. Thank you for asking. Are you ok ?
Yes, we are all safe and well here, thank you 🙏
Atrocities like this have to be remembered for the people whose lives were lost and to remind us of what people are capable off so that we learn. Tragic. Heart breaking. Beautifully told.
Thank you, Deborah, I agree.
Woah, that’s such a horrible event. Is it a true story?
Unfortunately yes. The last photo is a monument to those who died with all their names listed.
😱😔
May they rest in peace