Patricia Cresswell Poet Free verse

Hall of Silent Women

Hall of Silent Women

in valhala
in a far corner
of this martial paradise
is one small unobtrusive hall
above the heavy iron door
these words are faintly inscribed

“ the war department
 regrets to inform you
that your son……
has been killed 
in action, in defence of……”

women 
silent
row upon row
straight backed, tight lipped, blank eyed
their amputated anger melting hearts
while words swift shot pierces soul

women 
from life first stirrings
through vaulted cave to clapboard ranch
crouched sweating over birthing pit
to numbed white linen labour
in their pain and joy shudders steel shod feet 
march through the womb.

women
ancient cauldrons
endless source of armoury
kept tongueless
then given tongue to teach
man made words
toy soldiers bleed rust.

in valhala
indeed in every martial paradise
there is one small unobtrusive hall
above the heavy door
words are faintly inscribed…

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J Hamilton Gist November 16, 2017 at 4:05 PM You are definitely beast mode! I love your work! Come check me out when you have time. Patricia Cresswell November 16, 2017 at 5:00 PM I would love too come and read your work. Thank you for the invitation and the comment.

Sunlite Wanter November 3, 2017 at 6:12 PM This is a very stirring tribute and makes all us women hold up our heads. Patricia Cresswell November 3, 2017 at 7:34 PM Hi Sunny One we should be proud of our past as women. Thank you.

Aqua Marine October 13, 2017 at 1:39 AM There is no sense to the violence perpetuated by man's callous need to dominate and destroy his fellow human beings...Aggresion and fear create megalomania, which leads to war Life is so precious, but then, men have not carried that precious cargo, or given birth to it, so it seems that women bear the burden of grief...yet men have a huge capacity for compassion too, often hidden behind that " stiff upper lip..." I loved the way you have expressed this topic- with strength and dignity. Patricia Cresswell November 3, 2017 at 7:32 PM Thank you so much for your deep understanding.

Ovidiu Bocsa October 10, 2017 at 3:18 PM Wallhalla. A mythical moral territory special prepared for the brave hearts. A martial paradise for those knowing its tragedy and especially the sad events of the last century. The Imperative of Adorno is just not to repeat the same mistakes... Patricia Cresswell October 11, 2017 at 6:46 PM But we do keep repeating the same mistakes. A definition of insanity is the repetition of behaviours expecting a different out come. May be are all insane. Thank you.

Shubham Pal Chowdhury October 10, 2017 at 3:07 PM Well written Patricia Cresswell October 11, 2017 at 6:47 PM Thank you.

Old Buck October 10, 2017 at 2:17 PM Patricia: A wonderful 'word' memorial to the unsung hero's (mothers) of a never ending war. This is a bit heavy for me and I may have misunderstood your aim. However: I enjoyed my take on it anyway. :o) Keep them coming. oldbuck Patricia Cresswell October 11, 2017 at 6:50 PM You are most correct Buck. Thank you for understanding.

Jannie Breedt October 10, 2017 at 1:31 PM Incredible, check your inbox. Congratulations for being featured on PS home page. Patricia Cresswell October 11, 2017 at 6:52 PM Hi Jannie will check. Good to hear from you. Thanks!

Lim'Rik Flats October 8, 2017 at 8:09 PM Thank you for writing woman's view! Us men folk write war crap, some good, some bad, but rarely address the cost to mothers. One of my war PO's implies women would not send their sons to war. I don't know if it is true, but I'd like to think so. Down here in Trumptopia I'm amazed by the number of women who supported a blatant chauvinist A-hole who does not give a D about their offspring — war, starvation, whatever. I cannot believe they voted for him. Oops, ranting, sorry. Patricia Cresswell October 11, 2017 at 6:57 PM It is because women have been deprived of their culture for so long now that they have replaced it with Patriarchal beliefs. Women would not naturally tolerate war but they are brain

Arthur Vaso October 8, 2017 at 7:52 PM What a very amazing poem! You had me at the title, and I hung on to every verse, I just finished a book and this poem somehow reminded of that as well! A Fav. Patricia Cresswell October 11, 2017 at 6:58 PM Thank you Arthur.

Line Gauthier October 7, 2017 at 10:17 PM Very powerful. Patricia Cresswell October 11, 2017 at 7:07 PM Thanks Line.

Thvia Shetley October 7, 2017 at 2:21 PM This is such an emotional piece as it tugged a tear from my eye. Our history as humans and women is truly heart wrenching. Patricia Cresswell October 11, 2017 at 7:05 PM Women can change our ways of war. Thank you Thvia.

Silent One October 7, 2017 at 8:42 AM Powerful, powerful write! This is an excellent poem, highlight abuse of women, this is what poetry should be about.. One of your best poems Patricia and a FAV for me.. Patricia Cresswell October 11, 2017 at 7:04 PM Thank you Silent One.