Russia's destruction puts Ukraine in black and white

In the background of a black and white photo, I observed a collection of Ukrainian boys sitting in rows, some with slight smiles, some serious. They were all wearing suit jackets and ties. In the forefront, a transparent photo overlay showed a gymnast in color. She was in a gymnastic pose, standing on her hands. The two pictures were joined together as one.

To me, it illustrated what has happened to Ukraine. It used to be in color, but now it is black and white rubble. Why would a person want to destroy the color of a city? The Russian invasion made things black and white — it has killed colorful lives, places, parks, grocery stores and malls.

Bodies of civilians join the black and white scenario.

Some have been shot and scattered on roads. Many bodies are found with hands tied behind their backs. Some have been raped. The boys in the photo are brave souls trying, with might, to save their beloved country. More Ukrainians will die in the struggle.

In the meantime, mothers and their children are fleeing their homes, towns and cities. They are going to safer places that are in color. It is a necessary refuge to escape such black and white destruction. Trains leave stations with window displays of tears. Their faces show the uncertainty of what is ahead and the sadness for those lost or left behind.

I think the gymnast displayed in color is the hope that Ukraine will someday be what it was. There will be trees again, as well as parks, homes, grocery stores and malls.

There will be colorful happiness and peace to do just simple things. There is hope that they will live in a home, have a job and spend time with family — all the things that we take for granted.

— Sue Curran, San Rafael