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.

[Cassandra D.]

Very heartbreaking piece, well the end totally caught it. I thought this was very wonderful and emotional, as well. Therefor, I am impressed.

[M.S Solis]

"For then all the songs ceased to play..." it seems we're coming close to this familiar ending. War is a possibility that lingers around every mistake. Especially with the oil spill that might cause a few arguments in other countries. You touch a subject that is only explained through violence and words; and you have skillfully put together these words. THIS HAS TO BE ONE OF MY FAVORITE ONE OF YOUR POEMS...

[Sarah J. Kelleher]

This is... huge. It broaches a subject that we are all afraid to talk about. It's pride, actually one of the seven deadly sins. It's kind of an odd thing, pride in our countries. We're so eager to fight for our patriotism, but who's shoulders is the war really falling on? The children are being hit the hardest. That's what I'm seeing in this piece. I think the lines that hit home for me were "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." Great job on a small poem with a big voice.

[Ladysue]

oh, this is such a sad piece. You captured the horror of it all very well. A well written piece.

[Awdures]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading, although the subject matter is rather uncomfortable. It takes guts to write a poem this strong, in my view. I often ask the same questions, Why? Where's the peace on this earth? It just seems that were all in the middle of a continual struggle for power, which angers me as we should all be on the same level and respectful of each other.

Can't wait to read more of your work. Thank you ever so much for sharing with us.

[An owl on the moon]

So painful to read of the destruction that has been a part of our history as long as we've kept records... and it doesn't seem to be slowing at all. Your words cry out for peace.

[EMW]

I agree w/ this poem entiry. I wish war could end but right now I don't see that happening.

[nana]

Wow this is amazing and so true.I read High brow cultures review .Now there is the reason we need more intelligent people to run the world.God forbid an idiot like that ever gets the chance to effect change.We will all be dead

[Marie Harrison]

Very moving poem. I enjoyed.