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Drums of War Cannot Allay

Drums of war cannot allay the raging tides of men, Affairs of nations peace undone once more deny Failing the voice of citizens, leaders call to arms The young again must face the battlefields of hate, Those elected fail to sound the knell of warning Cries, and bear not the struggles of the young men, Soldiers who march to their deaths so needlessly. Young women, too, must now the suffering know Of futile wars on foreign fields once bravely fought Because the world cannot reconcile love and hate. written June 27, 2021

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Curtis Johnson

Date: 7/31/2021 2:13:00 PM

Well said Milton. "Failing the voice of citizens, leaders call to arms". That is why the freedom of speech must 'never' be abridged. Blessings.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/31/2021 2:16:00 PM

Curtis, thanks so much for your wonderful comment on my poem. I really appreciated your thoughts.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 6/30/2021 11:28:00 PM

"Young women, too, must now the suffering know" This is the truth now as we know it.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/1/2021 7:29:00 AM

Yep, sadly so.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 6/27/2021 8:30:00 PM

In 4,000 years nothing has changed. Young men die for leader's whims and fancies... Oh, excuse me. You've rightly pointed out that now young women get to die as well. Progress?! Methinks not. ~ gw

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/27/2021 8:59:00 PM

I don't know whether or not it is progress, but it is true. Leaders start wars and we (followers?) fight them...and sometimes die in them. I could rant on this, but I won't. My fingers are already tired. Bless you, gw.

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 6/27/2021 8:18:00 PM

So meaningful and well evoked, this fine creation highlights well the futility and tragedy of war. I especially like the last two lines. Blessings and hugs, Evelyn

Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 7/1/2021 3:49:00 PM

Thank you for your kind remarks. Have a blessed holiday weekend. :)

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/27/2021 9:02:00 PM

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful comment, Evelyn. I always enjoy hearing from you. You write so beautifully, I feel like I have struck gold when you enjoy one of my poems and comment on it.

M. L. Kiser

Date: 6/27/2021 8:18:00 PM

And then there is the fact that some countries leaders gamble on war. They sell soldiers for profit. Well penned piece with depth of thought.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/27/2021 9:04:00 PM

Thank you so much, M.L. You are so right, and I never could understand the concept of mercenaries. OTOH, I know there are militaristic persons who enjoy the tragedy of war. I don't understand them either.