Robert L. Hinshaw Poet Rhyme

The Futility of War

There'll be another empty cot on the camp ground tonight.
Alas, a gallant soldier gave his all in the frightful fight.
His anguished pleas for peace were unheard o'er the battle's roar.
Will humankind ever learn from the barbarous futility of war?

There'll be a pair of empty boots at his memorial service today.
His helmet, rifle and identification tags will also be on display.
Also shown is a photo of a lad in the uniform he proudly wore.
Will humankind ever learn from the horrible futility of war?

Empty arms now hang limply that once held him in fond embrace.
Empty hearts that can only be consoled by the Heavenly Father's grace.
Just a simple marble stone will hallow his name forever more.
Will humankind ever learn from the disastrous futility of war?

At the holiday table this year there'll be an empty chair,
Tho' he'll be absent, they will e'er feel his presence there,
As they reminisce about their hero in precious family lore.
Will humankind ever learn from the merciless futility of war?

Oh! That nations would simply follow the Master's Golden Rule,
Practice brotherhood and learn unto others to be less cruel,
And eliminate for all time such savagery to its very core!
Will humankind ever learn from the brutal futility of war?

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)

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Sylvia Coulstock April 16, 2011 at 7:52 AM Hi Robert-I found this beautiful yet sad.It encompasses so much heartfelt emotion.I totally agree with the sentiments you've expressed here.Will we ever have the brotherhood of man?We have advanced so much in technology but we become more and more spiritually bereft.The ludicrous situation being often these hostilities are over religious beliefs.yet we both know God is LOVE.Thank you for these precious words special and a favourite to me.Bless you also for your loving heart.Love June(sylvia)

Racquel Grim April 5, 2011 at 8:43 AM Wow. I really liked this poem and it brought slight tears to my eyes. My father is in the airforce and I hated it when he went away to Iraq. He is back now and I prayed for him every second that he was away. I do agree with what you say in this write, and I have to say, I honestly do not think that our people will ever learn from war and change our ways. I often find myself praying that it may one day end.

James Fraser May 22, 2010 at 6:02 PM Wonderful piece Robert, my only worry about tomorrow was written in the past. If there were no Wars the human population would have a blast. Severe concentration and shortage of food, would lead to different Wars, being ruled by the hood. Governments would be bought, and where would we be. Our kin of the future, would most certainly > be burried. Top write >> James

Ralph Taylor February 25, 2010 at 2:11 PM Reminds me of a close friend we lost during mortor attack when I was at Bien Hoa Vietnam in '65.