John Oldham Poet Sonnet

What Are These Words

What are these words that rage with hate and war
That scream with bullets’ searing, lethal roar
That slash with livid flames the midnight sky
And with a tongue that lubricates the lie
Despoil the words of men worth living for – 
What bloody god, or gods, in truth exist
That suffer men with words for this, for this –
What prophet false with rabid tongue betrays
The son of peace the son of man portrays
By choosing words of fury, words of fist
And worshipping the power they enlist – 
A choice of words some men cannot resist – 

O friend! O foe! Why still these words of war
That make the living word worth killing for –

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Charles Messina February 3, 2024 at 7:39 PM Great sonnet, John. Written really well...Best wishes! John Oldham February 5, 2024 at 7:19 AM Thank you, Charles. Appreciate it!

Silent One January 27, 2024 at 6:24 AM Loved your sonnet it flows and rhymes so well.. John Oldham January 28, 2024 at 5:42 AM Thank You, SO! Glad you liked it - :)

John Lawless January 27, 2024 at 6:24 AM WOW...masterfully written John, a scathing sonnet calling all to task. A FAVE for me. John Oldham January 28, 2024 at 5:42 AM Thak You, John! Appreciate your kudos - :)