LAMENT

Russian / Ukrainian solder's lament

Lying face down, in snow and mud,

A tragic tale, soaked with blood.

The cost of war, a heavy toll,

Leaving hearts burdened, with sorrow's role.

 

A thief of hopes, elusive and sly,

Dashing dreams, leaving hearts to sigh.

Promises broken, futures dashed,

War's bitter aftermath, deeply thrashed.

 

An ashtray of illusions, deceptive and frail,

Chasing false perceptions, a tempting tale.

A toll too heavy, a price too high,

For humanity's sake, let's question why.

 

 

Alla Antsis

April 24, 2023

Reviews

[Ladysue]

Not sure we will ever evolve past war until mankind evolves out of war mentality. I hope we can one day. Yes ‘for humanity sake let’s question why’ People at the top want their own way. Greed and power. Cult mindsets arise. People think they have the answers for others. People caught up in parts of things. No one works together for the whole of humanity. Not sure we even see the whole. We don’t have to always agree as long as we agree on better ways to handle disagreements, grievances. Not-the end justifies the means. Don’t think that is everlasting. War is barbaric and makes more enemies than it kills. But not sure if there is even an interest in harmony. Money rules. I certainly don’t have the answers but definitely have questions. Another passionate and strong write on this subject. Yes, let’s question!

[Alla Antsis]

Thank you for your thoughts, Ladysue! unfortunately you are right on here with the current state of affairs so corrupted in minds. we always must question until humanitarian answers prevail.... The more we question the more we transform.....

[Ladysue]

I agree, Alla. :)

[E.P. Robles]

The poem uses clear, powerful pictures to show how horrible war is. It encourages readers to think about how much war really costs and to wonder if we really need it. The way the poet uses rhythm and rhyme helps to create a serious and sad feel, which makes the poem's message hit harder emotionally.

[Alla Antsis]

Thank you for your review E.R Robles! In deed, agree1 No romanticize of the war here - it is a raw horror

[Lisasview]

Dearest Alla,
These words of yours are quite powerful and really do tell it as it is!!
A thief of hopes, elusive and sly,
Dashing dreams, leaving hearts to sigh.
Promises broken, futures dashed,
War's bitter aftermath, deeply thrashed.
I enjoyed the read,
Lisa

[Alla Antsis]

Lisa, Thank you very much for your review and comments! Always appreciate your visits.

[Lisasview]

You are new on my list of reviewers and I am delighted to have found you,
Thank you...
Lisa

[Alla Antsis]

Likewise! Thank you Lisa

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn..]

Alla,

Tragically, War would cease existing as a bloodthirsty plague upon all Humanity, IF every man and woman openly refused to fight, even at the cost of their own lives, for it takes participation by the masses to comprise armies and wage attacks of war, and Governments alone, cannot wage War, except by economic and coercive extortion's means, other than using that greatest weapon ever to be unleashed upon Humanity as methodology of insuring compliance in any War's campaign: Fear of Death ... Alas, Fear of Death is likely to remain the driving force in support of War after War after War of forever's evermore, because Governments have no problem threatening to murder one's loved ones upon pain of death for any and all refusal of participation in support of one's given people, cause, or nation: War waged in blasphemous names of God, Country, and that illusive illusion called Freedom ... In our world, as it does stand, there is no such thing as Freedom ... Or Liberty!

Beautifully thought provoking and powerful writing ...

Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn de Graham

[Alla Antsis]

Thank you very much, Marvin for your thoughts and a comprehensive review! Always enjoying your visits!

[John the Baptist]

Good rhyming and meter here, also good sentiments. Yes, war is a price too high, and though we've been questioning why for some time, it keeps happening. Perhaps some of us actually enjoy it.

[Alla Antsis]

Thank you, John for a constructive review!

[Betty Hermelee]

I don't think there is an answer to war; it's a power hungry deed and it's in the psyche to grab another country.... we have dictators all over the world who have their eyes set on power and the gratification of destruction; who can explain why? much of it is territorial, much of it is religious; what is terrifying is the bloodbath of human lives; and he rebuilding of what was blasted, and even more sad, the displacement of so many people and the brainwashing of children kidnapped.... we'll always wonder why!
Best, B

[The_Ancient_Rock]

You are so right... Betty.

;)

[Alla Antsis]

Agreed with all you said, Betty! Still be shouting anti-war messages even if we all know there is no reasonable or acceptable answer to wars

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re very welcome!
Best, B

[The_Ancient_Rock]

Yes indeed...

Zombie.

Let's question why... forever. And always do so...

;)

Good poem!!!

[Alla Antsis]

Thank you, The Ancient Rock! As always....

[The_Ancient_Rock]

You're Welcome.

[FGFRANKLIN]

There's no use in questioning war because... it's dumb. Dumb as in can't speak and the other application of the word as well. My only answer to why war exists is tyrannical oppression. If there weren't so many power hungry, greedy a******s in the world we could all live together without war. But we need to develop a system that just focuses on those folks to eliminate them from society and humanity at large on a global scale. Down with the tyrants everywhere! Power to the people.

[Alla Antsis]

Thank you for your thoughts, FGFRANKLIN!
to add to what you have said, there are many other greed reasons...How many nations are making money off the sufferings? Yes, tyrants starts but many fuels...

[emmajoygreen]

Your words are intense, ugly but TRUE. Someone wrote recently that if any war in modern times might be exampled as the final one, what is happening in Ukraine, is THE one. The enemy is fuelled by insanity. All war is sickening, there is no excuse for it, If war could be called successful, why then has there been more than one? What has been happening in Ukraine is hell on earth, the carnage, the life created there is satanic. The enemy is one man and his cohorts, even their own soldiers detest them. Like many others worldwide, i belong to a group which has collected items to be somehow sent over to that war-tone once lovely country... the only joy involved has been the amount of donations sent in week after week after week. Your poem is more than support..

[Alla Antsis]

How true and yet we celebrate war's victories and even have holidays assigned to dates! We should have a morning days not victories and morn those who are no longer with us

[emmajoygreen]

To some extent I agree but also know that men and women lost to war were sone and daughter, husbands and wives,siblings, etc.. they deserve
recognition and heartfelt thanks.
Just a second ago I sighed..perhaps the worst war is the one Mankind has with its conscience?

[Alla Antsis]

Agree, Emma! Thank you

[AYVID N]

Its painful to look at the world through a dying soldier's eyes. His life was considered expendable because he was poor. Now he lies bleeding in the snow. Lost to the only life he will ever have. He pays with the most precious thing he has and for absolutely nothing. Thank you for this very profound message.

[Alla Antsis]

i think looking thru the dying solder's eyes bring the issue closer to the heart. Thank you very much, DIVYA

[AYVID N]

You're most welcome Alla.