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.

[David Lewis Paget]

War seems to be an innate part of the human condition. In no part of human history was there not some war or conflict going on between tribes, races, religions and beliefs. The strange thing about it is that each generation rushes to be involved, almost as if it's a game, a period of excitement that will provide stories for their grandchildren - should they survive! But of course they will... 'That would never happen to me,' youth says, which is why youth always over-reaches itself, and so many end up wrapped around a tree.

[Kandy]

I like this poem a lot. It brings to light that sometimes we fight over nothing and hurt many people in the process. Great rhyme. It flows really nicely. Nice Job.

[Lilly]

Powerful poem written beautifully - I really like these lines:
"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"
Great work.

[zogzog]

once again, very lyrical....very emotional

[Domo]

War is pointless, all it has ever done is cause more conflict in everyday life.
This was an inspirational write, great job Tate, glad to read such a good write.
100/100

[JENY]

Wars will never end….
Those who want to stop the wars…should begin their work….in human minds….
No other way….
I liked your writing very much…
There is only a few who nurture a social consciousness in our cafe….
Keep it up…

[Lydia Blackwell]

folly is right. since when does violence ever solve anything? it just hurts.

[LonelySoul]

war is a fools game played by fools who are hungry for power or greed of money...
those they destroy or get caught in the middle are the ones who suffer the most...
nice work here my friend...LonelySoul