Aftermath

AFTERMATH
 
War is final but incomplete,
bodies littered like spent ammunition
along the ravaged bloody street.
But who hears the voices of condemnation
on profit-only Wall Street?
In the dirt they make their plans
to strike again at life and limb
but ghostly cries fall on deaf ears.
Who, alive, could be so bold
to find in such a loss a gain?
Better drunk with glory and feel the pain
than live a sober life in vain.
With rigid form and empty hands
the scripted epitaph of modern man
lies for all to see in the deeds
of young men, yet most turn away
ashamed of the savage reality.
To a different god they pray
but everyone just wants to live free.
To those brave warriors downed
no small measure of honour found.
War is final but incomplete,
the aftermath lives on in the faces,
the fears and in the broken street;
a boil in the hot sun of scrutiny
and the children dance in bare feet.
Conflict is old and certainly cold,
survivors return with stories untold.
The epic struggle continues between
man’s heart and his powerful greed
leaving a wasteland out of Eden.
 With inner struggles the scars are hidden.
War is conflict with no remedy,
turns trusted friends into bitter enemies.
The dead have one wish, to be alive,
to be with loved ones who survive.
The aftermath, the chaos, it never ends,
on and on the sorrow and grief,
these broken lives will never mend.
Only death or peace will bring relief.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Deo Avatar
March 30, 2017 at 9:42 PM
Phil, this one deserves all the 7s, or as Jesus expressed numberless; "Seventy times seven." Fantabulous writing with memorable lines:"War if final but incomplete." The last line is resigned but hopeful, yet! Thanks much ... for everything, & to dream of Psalm 16, when the Old Testament put a 6 year limit on debt, collections, ... so year 7 was Sabbath forgiveness of debt, literal release of slaves ...I believe Israel & Jews will help up right this dollary ship
Dillenbeck Avatar
March 10, 2017 at 9:09 AM
Awesomely terrifying.
Me Not Avatar
March 4, 2017 at 2:29 AM
A great, beautiful poem.
Jarvis Avatar
March 4, 2017 at 2:02 AM
I was deeply moved...
Capitano Avatar
March 4, 2017 at 8:45 AM
Thanks Felicia I'm glad it affected you so. We think war is the end but it is only the beginning of suffering for those left behind. Namaste.
Hamilton Avatar
February 21, 2017 at 6:57 PM
Back for second read, even better, number 35 and rising, told you so!
Hamilton Avatar
February 22, 2017 at 12:47 PM
No, just know good poetry when I see it, hey you should have something for my free verse contest, would do well no doubt!
Capitano Avatar
February 22, 2017 at 3:46 AM
Thanks so much John....say maybe you might have some winning lotto numbers, too, LMAO.
Anish Avatar
February 21, 2017 at 12:48 PM
A powerful anti - war ode here! You show the dark side of our - and other - nations clearly in this work Peace & Blessings Matthew Anish
Capitano Avatar
February 22, 2017 at 3:48 AM
Thanks Matthew for stopping by, your comments are appreciated. Namaste.
Lindley Avatar
February 18, 2017 at 2:09 PM
Very strong message on the evils of war and its futility. Death and massive destruction always its bitter fruits! Top 7 on this gem. A fav...
Capitano Avatar
March 4, 2017 at 8:47 AM
Thanks kindly for your support.
Coy Avatar
February 18, 2017 at 8:33 AM
Terrific message, eloquently stated. Good work, amigo.
Hauser  Avatar
February 17, 2017 at 12:56 PM
Wonderful write!
Warrior Avatar
February 12, 2017 at 10:55 PM
Superbly done my friend...we are always the pawns in the chess game...god bless...^WW^
Schumacker Avatar
February 11, 2017 at 7:57 AM
Hi Phil, Well done. Great title. Very descriptive insightful poem. Keep up the good work. Have a great day. Earl
Capitano Avatar
February 11, 2017 at 8:17 AM
Thanks Earl for checking me out, I appreciate the comment.
Robinson Jr. Avatar
February 9, 2017 at 9:18 AM
Powerful poem w/even more powerful message, Phil. Very thought provoking poetic art. Ty for sharing. Excellent poem on so many levels. Love and peace.
Capitano Avatar
February 9, 2017 at 3:51 PM
Thanks buddy, ciao.
Andresen Avatar
February 9, 2017 at 4:04 AM
- A awesome poem, Phil ... you have 100% right in your last line - Well done - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Capitano Avatar
February 9, 2017 at 4:08 AM
Thanks Anne-Lise, have a great day :)
Rycroft Avatar
February 8, 2017 at 12:25 PM
Very Very well written x I don't normally like the war poems but you made it very interesting x 10/10 well done x
Capitano Avatar
February 8, 2017 at 3:23 PM
Thanks Wendy I tried not to make it too brutal but you know...
Pigeon Tart Avatar
February 7, 2017 at 12:06 PM
Excellent write.
Smith Avatar
February 6, 2017 at 2:32 PM
Does anyone ever really win a war...wonderful write
Sheehan Avatar
February 6, 2017 at 1:19 PM
Nice write. Memorable and true especially given what's going on today.
Capitano Avatar
February 8, 2017 at 3:25 PM
Thanks Frank, unfortunately the times change but nothing really changes.
Sands Avatar
February 6, 2017 at 11:53 AM
Excellent Phil. Very well written :)
Hamilton Avatar
February 6, 2017 at 11:11 AM
wow, wow, wow, Phil, Phil, Phil mesmerizing write of truth, I am awed by the depth of this write, a7 and a definite fave, you certainly have peaked with this one, a sure top ten poem, just wait and see!
Capitano Avatar
February 6, 2017 at 4:16 PM
Thanks so much John, I hope you are right.
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