Notes About The Poem

This poem is based on personal experience in Vietnam. Sometimes, in war, there is simply nowhere to hide This desperation before death is worse than death itself. Death is the relief.

In Violent Fields

In violent fields,
No eye is on the sparrow.
It flits amidst the rage
Of sling and arrow.
And though to it
No refuge calls, still,
It beats its wing
Until to earth, it falls
A breathless thing.
How frail a thread
Holds hope above
The fray. Too soon
It yields to weight
Of mortal wound. 
And sparrows lie
In fields 
Like buds
That never bloom.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Foster Avatar
June 16, 2022 at 1:12 PM
death... buds that never bloom... powerful... thoughts... emotions...excellent writing. Ann
Owens Avatar
October 21, 2022 at 1:50 PM
Hi Ann, Thanks for the kind words. Peace
Ekwobi Avatar
May 7, 2022 at 1:31 AM
An Eighteen-line poem which reaffirms that in war theatres both Active Combatants and By-The-Side profiteers go home total losers. Ted Owens has to be praised in Violent fields for a poetic structuring that delivers the fleeting pace of the Tragedy of War.
Owens Avatar
May 13, 2022 at 12:22 PM
Thank you, sir, for your words of encouragement. I struggle with self-doubt when writing poetry, but you give me hope.
Fenn Avatar
May 4, 2022 at 5:26 PM
Wow Ted. A very depressing but also very true picture of the world today.
Owens Avatar
May 5, 2022 at 3:51 PM
Thanks, Jennifer. Your words are encouraging.
Inman Avatar
May 4, 2022 at 7:03 AM
A powerful piece Ted.
Owens Avatar
May 5, 2022 at 3:52 PM
Thanks, James.
John Avatar
May 4, 2022 at 2:08 AM
Sad, bewildering, great piece of verse hitting me right between the eyes and in the heart. Thanks, Ted.
Owens Avatar
May 5, 2022 at 3:58 PM
Thanks so much, Andrew.
Sambourne Avatar
May 3, 2022 at 7:50 AM
Your poem, Ted, is searing. A stellar posting that speaks to the calamity + loss of war. Sparrows and infertile blooms (metaphorically) anchor the piece in its intensity. We look forward to more of your fine work. Best wishes. Brian
Owens Avatar
May 5, 2022 at 3:56 PM
Thanks, Brian. Your words make me want to write.
Chies Avatar
February 1, 2022 at 6:23 PM
Very good!!!
Owens Avatar
February 1, 2022 at 9:19 PM
Thanks, Marco.
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