Onslaught

A center stage of flood light probing,
      desperate living in a murderous onslaught 
war's naked inhumanity
          sky tearing rockets, a pinpoint rage
casualties that define a battlefield
carnage that sticks to history
joyless existence for those flash-blinded by fear
               upgraspable horror that fails comprehension

What drives global mayhem?
territorial expansion, the lust of thieves
                                      the dictator's creed
imperialist thrust to chop at a culture's roots
                                to replant borders through blood-shed
                                                                               greed
onslaught war in tanks of clattering woe
brute spectacle of citizen dislocation

Do we ignore war till it comes to us?
as history hooks another dark cloak
no civilized dictatorship 
no reserve to deflect blame
authoritarianism that hasn't breathed its last
for the murderer scheming in plain sight through 
                                                                        rubble-years
        cumulative scars of foes push his nervous tick
        an unending pleasure 
        malice that sticks like lipstick on a mirror

Do we just change one war for another?
Or is peace like the buried secrets of mummified souls?
                                   still struggling to be heard
Knowledge of survival that evaporates like steam


Poem composed October 3, 2022
Contest: Pick A Title Volume 32
Sponsor: Edward Ibeh
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Wells Avatar
October 30, 2022 at 11:34 PM
Wow! What a powerful antiwar poem. "...the lust of thieves the dictator's creed imperialist thrust to chop at a culture's roots to replant borders through blood-shed greed" This is a chilling line and so true. I am grateful there are voices like yours that are not afraid to say it. Great job, Brian!
Sambourne Avatar
October 31, 2022 at 8:08 AM
Hello Thomas, Dreadful news that the slaughter of Ukrainian people goes on. War is a machine that grinds out sorrow. I hope that you are well. Thank you for your affirmative note. With appreciation, Brian
Tor Avatar
October 19, 2022 at 3:23 AM
Congratulations Brian receiving a winning placement.
Sambourne Avatar
October 19, 2022 at 6:22 AM
Hello Michael, Much appreciate your stop by + congratulatory wishes. I hope that all is well with you. Cheers, Brian
Ibeh Avatar
October 17, 2022 at 5:09 AM
Excellent, powerful piece, Brian:-) Heartiest congratulations on your top win in my contest!
Sambourne Avatar
October 17, 2022 at 6:20 AM
Thank you Edward, for the recognition as I never know what to expect when I enter contests. Your kind comments + vote of confidence are much appreciated. Best wishes, Brian
George Avatar
October 14, 2022 at 8:14 PM
War, its outbreak, its causes and the misery and pain it entails- all so powerfully analyzed in this evocative writing. Congrattulations Brian on your well deserved win.
Sambourne Avatar
October 14, 2022 at 9:11 PM
Thank you, Valsa, for your stop by + affirmative message. I truly value your input. Be well. Brian
Radice Avatar
October 14, 2022 at 12:36 PM
Great to see a Brian Sambourne poem at the top of the tree where it belongs. 'Onslaught' tells it how it is - ironically in FREE verse. Are you reading Mr Putin & co?
Radice Avatar
October 14, 2022 at 1:39 PM
Hi Brian - I meant to write: "Are you reading this, Mr Putin & Co?" :) He and other dictators could do well reading your excellent poem. Cheers - Gary
Sambourne Avatar
October 14, 2022 at 1:09 PM
Hi Gary, You certainly know your irony - free verse that touches on Putin's brutal authoritarianism. I follow his dictatorship in the New York Times. Thank you for your thumbs up on my piece. Be well. Brian
Peck Avatar
October 14, 2022 at 10:38 AM
Oh, your words so terrifyingly beautiful--a summation of humanity. It's beginning to seem we can't accept peace; we refuse to excise hate; future will be repetition of dictatorial past. your poem is wonderful to speak of these truths! Congratulations on your First Place!
Sambourne Avatar
October 14, 2022 at 1:15 PM
Greetings Ann. Thank you immensely for your affirmative note. I am always delighted + surprised by any placement as free verse is not always accepted in contests if rhyme is preferred. With appreciation, Brian
Messina Avatar
October 5, 2022 at 6:15 PM
Great entry for the contest, Brian. Best wishes...Hope all is well my friend...Charlie
Sambourne Avatar
October 5, 2022 at 7:34 PM
Thanks very much, Charles. I appreciate your vote of confidence. All is well, thank you. I hope that you are in good health. Cheers Brian
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