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War - a Dead Loss

How many soldiers lie silent and dead
How many mothers and wives live in dread
How many daughters and sons cry in bed
How many fathers have tears they can’t shed

Despots, dictators and terrorist groups
‘Cross fingered’ governments leaping through hoops
And talking is futile for lest we forget
Tyrants do missiles and not tete a tete

Atrocity first with all of its dying
Then there’s the lying and the denying
Posthumous medals for those who can’t say,
“Man: Could we use a round table today?”

Soldiers shall ever be falling like tears
When dead have no voice… and tyrants - no ears

Copyright © Terry Flood | Year Posted 2023

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Bill Baker Date: 11/16/2023 4:38:00 PM Powerful poetry, Terry, I'm following you now. I thought I was, but this one wasn't on my feed, so I fixed that, my friend. I like every line, but the last two are both true and dynamic. Write On! A poet friend in Texas, Bill Login to Reply Terry Flood Date: 11/16/2023 4:47:00 PM Thank you so much, Bill. You know, I only very recently realised the point of ‘following’. I couldn’t see what purpose it served… until I thought ‘I wonder what so and so is writing now’ and then struggled to remember how that persons name was spelt. Looks like I shall be selecting some ‘follows’ anon.

David Fisher Date: 11/10/2023 3:44:00 PM This is quite a tribute for those without a voice; and a true look at the brutality, too. Login to Reply Terry Flood Date: 11/10/2023 4:09:00 PM Thanks, David. Glad it hit home. Terry

Daniel Turner Date: 11/10/2023 3:17:00 PM I think you've been sandbagging us Terry. Excellent sonnet. I am impressed with the content but not surprised at your talent. Keep writing! Login to Reply Terry Flood Date: 11/10/2023 4:07:00 PM Thanks muchly, Daniel. I genuinely enjoy doing deep/profound/serious but I tend to see humour all around me (today I watched a TV ad for low cost cremations [I kid you not] with a money back guarantee… there just has to be a poem in that). Perhaps, I’ll surprise you again sometime soon ;-)

Sand Blown Date: 11/10/2023 12:03:00 PM ...nice write....at some point the elders must take control from (earths) 'school- yard gang leaders'.....and expel them.... stan Login to Reply Terry Flood Date: 11/10/2023 5:05:00 PM I know in my heart that you’re right, Stan. We’re kinda seeing an attempt at that right now but the ‘collateral damage’ is off the scale. I guess in years to come, we’ll still be saying, “The end justifies the means.” It sure ain’t easy to watch though.

Ilene Bauer Date: 11/10/2023 6:39:00 AM Wow! I shouldn’t be surprised that you can write a serious poem as amazing as your humorous ones, Terry, but I was surprised to see this nonetheless. A powerful poem with a final couplet that is absolutely brilliant! You have said what needs to be said over and over again, but you’ve done so in a way that few (if any) could match… Login to Reply Terry Flood Date: 11/10/2023 3:42:00 PM You’re way too kind, Ilene, but I shall accept your compliments with good grace and all due modesty ;-) Glad you enjoyed this. Now… what did I do with my ‘funny’ head?

John Lawless Date: 11/10/2023 4:44:00 AM That about sums it up Terry. The final couplet captures the insanity and insensitivity of our world. Login to Reply Terry Flood Date: 11/10/2023 3:26:00 PM I actually had two final couplets and really wanted to use both. I ummed and arrred at some length as to switching ‘sonnet’ to ‘rhyme’ and using both but exercised a little self control and went with what I felt was most profound. Glad you enjoyed, John. Terry

Lin Lane Date: 11/10/2023 3:20:00 AM Terry, I am in awe of your Sonnet. No smiles or laughter after reading this one from you. It’s gut wrenching in its truth. Login to Reply Terry Flood Date: 11/10/2023 3:20:00 PM Thanks, Lin. I try to write something new for each armistice day and I though I was going to fail this year. This was my last go before giving up. Suddenly, it all just clicked.