Lon Wartman Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

I originally wrote this poem when a Russian rocket hit the small town of Hroza, Ukraine killing 51 men, women, and children.  Since then, the Hamas terrorist group invaded Israel.  I therefore changed the perspective from singular to plural with a few word changes. This poem reflects my emotional struggle with these insane wars and all the joy that has been lost because of them. 

I Tried My Best

“I Tried My Best”

At your request
I tried my best 
To pen a poem.

I tried to write. 
A happy poem
Full of hope, trust, and tranquility,
But Anger came knocking,
Came knocking at my door.

Let me in he cried.
Please let me in!
I beg of you.
This winter storm is harsh,
I’m afraid I’ll die.
Please let me in!

Am I a fool to let him in?
Let him in to steal my pen?
Let him in to tarnish my soul?
Let him in to write of sin?
I know not where to begin.
Should I relent  
And let him in?

Wars that will not end.
Villages gone.
Men, women, and children
Lying in the streets,
Covered in bloodied sheets.
I care not to write of this.
Anger came knocking. 
Came knocking at my door.

Should I laugh at those
Who do not care,
Or should I cry 
For they know not why, 
Why anger came knocking,
Came knocking at my door?
I tried with all my might
To keep the bolt tight.
But anger kept knocking,
Knocking on my door.

The winds blew hard.
I could hear them scream,
Lying in their graves,
And I their souls 
Could not save.  

Should I let him in?
Should I unbolt the door?
Will it pacify my soul?
Will it bring me peace?

I’m angry,
I’m angry as hell.
I hate these goddamn wars!
If I let him in, 
Will he let me out,
When justice is due?				

Anger came knocking,
Came knocking at my door.

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Nancy Kaufman November 24, 2023 at 11:28 AM Dear Lon, This is such an emotive poem and I totally get why you are so angry. Any person with deep empathy for others would feel the same way. God bless and keep writing. Lon Wartman November 25, 2023 at 6:13 AM Nancy: keeping anger and hate at bay is something I struggle with each and every day. I much prefer to write happy and joyful poems. Thank you for your comments.