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Blindly, War

old men plan a casual shrug to war
                inflatable egos
the fault lines of "manageable engagement "
whims to sip glory
                 adventurous folly, pomp and fame

young men pay the toll
                     on a route that chokes their end
                     hapless fate
                     to burn through youth's prime
                                   to cut that sweet apple in two
wide eyed faith that softens the will to question
                     to follow a nation's calling
                     to battle "barbarians"
                     till fighters labor to know what for
if freedom's not a bread that's shared

realities of war
      a roaming slaughter, its drifting body count decay
      a misery and waste that burn the sky
      above battlefields of leafless trees

soldiers' lives on the clockhands of death
      we gather up their shields and weep
      till the peace comes midst desolation
      till in wisdom and carnage a life affirming flame
                                                                                is lit






Poem composed November 15, 2021

Copyright © Brian Sambourne | Year Posted 2021

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Anil Deo Date: 1/1/2022 11:57:00 AM Brian, I still believe John chapter 14 in New Testament can quiet any heart. It took me from Hindu, to the seminary, to current missionary work ("self" - funded, mostly) in Africa. Shalom shalom dear Poet. Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 1/1/2022 8:23:00 PM Hello Anil. Thank you Anil. I must read again John Chapter 14. Guiding words, too, in 1 Corinthians 13, 4-5: "Love is patient...it does not boast...it keeps no records of wrongs." Words to live by. Many congratulations on your missionary work. Be well. Sincerely, Brian

Anil Deo Date: 1/1/2022 11:21:00 AM Happy New Year dear Brian. I am blessed to have shared WORDS of power with u in 2021, thanX. Old men - and educated women, now - plan war & youth keep paying. The tab ... Never gets paid. Jesus the Answer Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 1/1/2022 11:30:00 AM Thank you, Anil for your kind, thoughtful words. Poetry Soup is a grand place for a variety of views + stellar poems. I admire those who have embraced faith as their guiding light. I still struggle. May the New Year bring us peace + safety. Best wishes, Brian

Ann Peck Date: 12/23/2021 9:41:00 AM It's true that old men~without regard~ plan wars casually. You didn't mention a lot of them make a lot of money from war, as well. Most generals will say they hate war, and yet that's what they work toward. Your poem tells the sad truth of war~youths fighting and falling in a war they thought necessary. Your poem is written beautifully. Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 12/23/2021 10:38:00 AM Hello Ann, Thank you for commenting on my posting. You are quite right - there is "the military-industrial complex" that feeds on mutual profit. It becomes a cycle of greed + profitability. Front line soldiers pay the price, as do civilians. "The sad truth" of war as you perceptively note. With appreciation, Brian

Beata Agustin Date: 12/22/2021 6:51:00 PM Congrats! Thanks for sharing this---and yes, for courageously exposing war's grim reality' in your awesome poetic way. God bless you. Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 12/22/2021 8:23:00 PM Greetings Beata. While I strive to improve, your kind assessment of my submission is a grand motivator. Health + happiness to you + your family. Brian

Sotto Poet Date: 12/22/2021 4:59:00 PM Hi, Brian. This is a striking poem, bringing home the absurdity that is so obvious from the way we continue to wage wars. This piece's emotional and symbolic impact, as well as its terrible beauty, are all breathtaking to see. Thanks for your visit and comment on my page. Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 12/22/2021 5:52:00 PM Hello Lasaad, I hope that you are well. Thank you for your encouraging remarks on my small posting. Take care of yourself. Have safe, joyful holidays. Best regards, Brian

L. J. Carber Date: 12/22/2021 4:57:00 PM I very much like the powerful closing stanza--and you're right--old men start wars, young men finish them. Ironically it won't matter who starts the next world war as all the old men will die too. Congrats on your win, Brian. Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 12/22/2021 5:57:00 PM Thank you L.J. One can argue, successfully,that WW2 had a ethical basis in its assault on evil + oppression. So many subsequent wars stand on questionable grounds, however. Your read of my poem + kind comment are much valued. Be well. Brian

Susan Woodrow Date: 12/22/2021 9:16:00 AM the ugly truths of war so well presented...great write! Merry Christmas :) Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 12/22/2021 12:41:00 PM Greetings Susan. Your affirmative comments are always welcomed + appreciated. May you be well, joyful + continue to pen your fine submissions into the New Year. Brian

Christuraj Alex Date: 12/22/2021 8:45:00 AM " inflatable egos", "whims to sip glory adventurous folly, pomp and fame" - Beautiful poem. Congratulations! Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 12/22/2021 12:39:00 PM My sincere appreciation for your thoughtful note, Christuraj. May you enjoy peace + health this holiday season + beyond. Best regards, Brian

Paghunda Zahid Date: 12/22/2021 5:28:00 AM Congratulations on your placement Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 12/22/2021 5:32:00 AM Thank you, Paghunda. Be well. Brian

Susan Ashley Date: 12/20/2021 9:05:00 AM Dear Brian, the emotional and metaphorical power and, yes, the tragic beauty of this piece takes my breath away. I admire the expressive skills of your grand poetic pen and adore the depth and breadth of the haunting harrowing artistry that reaches in deeply to squeeze my soul with its creative clench. A FAV! Warmest wishes for a happy holiday season for you and yours, my friend.. ~Susan Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 12/20/2021 3:34:00 PM Greetings Susan. Your thoughtful, generous assessment brings light to this gray December day. I hope that you + your family are safe, well, and that all celebrate festive holidays. With sincere appreciation, Brian

Thomas Wells Date: 12/19/2021 1:15:00 PM This is such a powerful poem, driving home hypocrisy so apparent in the way we endlessly fight wars. The older generation often never reflects on the ways war will always destroy the lives of the next generation. The contrast you set up in the first two stanzas carries through the rest of the poem. This is a fine poem! -Thomas Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 12/19/2021 8:11:00 PM Most appreciative of your analysis Thomas. Often with no clear objective or valid sense of purpose, war is a waste bin for youth, for establishing liberty's roots. Yet war is waged endlessly. Only grave yards win. Thank you for your congenial, supportive remarks. Brian

Bill Baker Date: 12/16/2021 4:24:00 PM The term, war is hell! is probably quite close to right in most cases. Free Verse allowed for an interesting format for your presentation, Brian. Sometimes difference is just what I need to see. Good luck in the contest. (probably over by now, I'm looking back at older poems this week. Have a good weekend, Bill Login to Reply Brian Sambourne Date: 12/16/2021 6:00:00 PM You're so right, Bill. War is indeed a hell on earth. All suffer. Sometimes there is liberation + freedom with a despot deposed. But too many souls fall to graves too soon. Be well. Thank you for your drop by + comment. Brian