War

For whom do we all rise each day

with what do we gain happiness

For ourselves the masses say

though this is folly with sadness

 

The marching soldiers who had gone

our children who pranced to war

Had carried our hopes and love on

would die to please us never-more

 

No more the laughter to our ears

left forever the taste of dirt

As ground belayed the sound of cheers

and feelings of others pride hurt

 

In a moment the lonely sound

fell heavy on every mans ear

As the truth echoed from the ground

even the boldest shook to hear

 

For then the songs all ceased to play

we looked to sky and then to friend

They felt there nothing left to say

for woe had summoned this the end

 

Author's Note

Will we never stop beating the drums of war ? Only to pave the streets of conquest with the souls of children. I wrote this after attending the funeral of a friends dear child. You know goodness has a sound to it. It is the laughter of children Who play unafraid in the streets of a town. Lacking that we have failed to secure anything. Goodness is not what we won't do. Nor some question of whom we exclude. It is the unselfish act of humanity. That sees ourselves in those we include.

Reviews

[S. Georgia]

This poem especially spoke to be because of the subject matter, its a very delicate subject; war and how senseless it is. But it also spoke to me because my father's been in and out since about '01 in the past war and was finally discharged (thank goodness he's still alive) this year because of an injury (and a few previous ones). I think that all wars especially the present one can wear the mask of altruism and 'we're just going to help' but there's always a hidden motive which makes the loss of life completely meaningless.

"No more the laughter to our ears
left forever the taste of dirt
As ground belayed the sound of cheers
and feelings of others pride hurt"
I thought the above line was especially beautiful and just really spoke to me.
-S.

[nick mccoy]

I like it. it raises an excellent point. Good job.

[Alicia™]

Such a sad and heavy poem… It makes me sigh.

[Ryan Gonzalez]

This is a really good poem that gives you the feel instantly. Immediately there is a sense of dread that makes you oddly want to carry on, reading more and more, fascinated by every description as the situation can only get worse. Really I think it's a really good poem and I surely enjoyed it from start to finish. Great job

[Deviant Works]

We all grow from the same tree. We may branch off in different directions, either rise towards the sky or sag to the ground, but our roots are buried deep in the same earth. I love this poem but it was your author's note that spoke of the words I feel. "To kill some other loving mothers darling boy." It was this thought that kept me from joining the service after high school, joining to watch over my friends. But I just could not imagine welding a weapon and not think about the consequences. I believe in protecting those we love, but chances are the person standing at the end of my barrel believes the same thing. Love this poem, this one is a thinker.

[ice]

Brother
You must have read "THe War Prayer", if you did not, it doesn't matter..What you have done here is say what the grand old sarcastic ment to be said, over and over. I think he knew, and was very upset by the fact that a century later, society would still need to learn the lessons of his piece on the subjects of war and religion.

I am glad you brought my attention to this poem..

ice aka ford

[G. K. Bostic]

So many are lost....something I can't think about too much while my son is over there. He is the one who first made me so aware of the cost with the famous phrase, "All gave some, but some gave all." I pray every night for his safe return and for all the troops and their families. I'm so sorry for your friend's loss. Your words show your understanding, and I share your feelings. When will it ever end? When I hear the song, "Let There Be Peace on Earth," it reduces me to tears. Sorry for rambling, Tate. Just want you to know I really appreciate what you've written, and the way you've expressed yourself.

[George Love]

War will stop when the leaders have to lay down their lives for the reasons they send our sons and daughters off to fight their wars. When the blood is yours, the perspective changes. Having one who recently joined the military, let's see if she can finish basic training, this speaks loudly.

[MJ Durston]

Not a fan of the music. I think it interrupts the reading process. Actually it's distracting my review as well, however the poem is fantastic. I think you caught a definate element of war - the sacrifice. I think it was a beautiful read, well done Morgan.

[msharma]

Great! reflects the reality of all of us..A sensible attempt.Keep going ahead.

[Misty Blue Eyes]

this poem is deep, i see the men off to war in my own home town, they are going for all the right reasons. to keep us safe, to keep or freedom..........i cry for all that we loose, for they are gone too soon.