In Praise of Endings

If this was the last war
I'd see purged the shadow bombs that press us from sleep
I'd no longer view sky high places that bleed red
                                                to the clouds
but celebrate a rejuvenated land free from the spray of guns

I'd hear church bells careening with the swell of promise
     the pull of new movement
     gleaming
     like the dissolution of sorrow
I'd hear laughter broad, like peacocks preening
              and hallelujahs from the lips of orators

I'd invade streets smeared with the joy of dancing
I'd no longer weep at new war graves with poppies on 
                                                                           crosses
I'd see the sacred cord that binds soldiers to their mothers
                                                                           restored
I'd throw to a meadow sunflower seeds to grow a
                                                                       Van Gogh 
I'd take a hay wagon ride with my lover to debate love's
                                                                        curvy options
                                    with compassion now a measure of value 
for the end of war is like dreams on high volume
                                     that mark the preservation of life
                                     in its most vital form
                                     beyond the reach of forgetting
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Cornish Avatar
January 21, 2025 at 6:47 AM
Brian, heads up - people incapable of writing themselves are also incapable of recognizing excellent writing and this is excellent writing!
Sambourne Avatar
January 21, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Your thoughtful words warm this winter's day. Thanks very much for seeing merit in my work. All the best.
Baker Avatar
September 22, 2023 at 3:23 PM
Encouraging words to those that have been to war, Brian. You're very sensitive to the needs of those broken through war and the comforting that will soothe their souls. The last war will bring victory to those that value Love instead of hate. Have a great week! Bill
Sambourne Avatar
September 22, 2023 at 4:25 PM
Thanks very much for your supportive words Bill. I have Ukrainian grandparents on my mother's side, so naturally we all follow the war quite closely. May it end soon. Best wishes, Brian
Brotherton Avatar
September 18, 2023 at 6:28 PM
Oh, what a lovely place it would be if this was the last war. A powerful poem Brian.
Sambourne Avatar
September 18, 2023 at 6:35 PM
Greetings Jerry, I appreciate the vote of confidence as the poem received a recent contest NA. Rather than delete the piece I decided to let it stand. Many thanks for your message. Brian
M  Avatar
September 17, 2023 at 10:54 PM
Powerful and very beautiful Brian! The sentence “ I'd see the sacred cord that binds soldiers to their mothers restored“ really grabbed me! Just lovely….Debx
Sambourne Avatar
September 18, 2023 at 6:28 AM
Greetings Deb, Thank you for your stop by and encouraging appraisal. I am glad to know the posting had resonance for you. Be well. Brian
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace