Futility
by
Brian Dickenson
(Age: 73)
copyright 12-06-2005
Age Rating: 7 to 127
A screaming silence envelops the land,
Ghostly armies are marching.
Not even the sound of a muffled drum
To mark the soldiers passing.
A desolate landscape, torn and seared,
Blood soaking into the earth.
Ragged banners wave to and fro,
Freedom struggling to birth.
The silence screams inside the head.
Only the eyes can hear.
Shattered remains lying there,
Of those that we held so dear.
We answered the call
We flocked to the flag, our duty plain to see,
We stood so proud in our uniforms,
Knowing the enemy would flee.
But the enemy; they were just like us.
Answering the same sort of call.
The same old speeches, but in another tongue,
Our leaders did not want to fall.
Urging us onward from afar,
Safe in their man-made caves
Exhorting us to kill the foe,
We, their foolish braves.
And so we died on the battlefields,
Sundered by shot and shell,
Many a loved one grieved this day.
Victory? Only history will tell.
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There is a meaning in this poem that many people, namely politicians and world leaders, just don't understand. Victory in battle is an oxymoronic statement in itself, isn't it? How can any battle be called a victory? People have died, families have suffered, lives been lost. That's far from a victory.
I admire your poem for the strength in its words. It's not often you find such great works that really address humanity's flaws which most people refuse to see. Well, it's like I always say, humanity rhymes with stupidity. -.-
There is one part of this poem that I think really stands out.
We answered the call
We flocked to the flag, our duty plain to see,
We stood so proud in our uniforms,
Knowing the enemy would flee.
But the enemy; they were just like us.
Answering the same sort of call.
The same old speeches, but in another tongue,
Our leaders did not want to fall.
I think that really shows how none of us are invincible, and all of us are the same. When going to war, each side thinks they're going to win. Why? Each side has a purpose; whether its power-crazed dreams or a duty to defend its people. And the most important part of each side is its people. Those people are the heart and soul, even when the government is the brain. And that's the problem with wars and all. People look in their brains to find the answers to war, but the thing is, there is no answer in the brain. The answer is always in the heart, and if one were to look in the heart, one would realize that the only answer is that wars are one of the biggest sins of all. It's not about victory and triumph, it's about the bloodshed. Governments will never even try to understand this. Why? Because they can't. Government is about power, whether it's a democracy or whatever. And power is nothing but an illusion. Therefore, when a country goes to war, it's only fighting for an illusion. That's all it is; nothing but an illusion of strength.
A truly inspiring poem, sir! You wrote this poem very well; the rhyme scheme and the meter all blended to sound wonderful. The best part was the message, and it has been delivered straight to the heart. Bravo!
War is war. And, in my opinion, war is somewhat more than insane. The imagery, here, is quite good however unpleasant. But then it isn't the job of an author to always be pleasant. Sometimes the truth need be told in ways that are powerful and dramatic enough for all to hear and heed. But I sense more here than blood mayhem, ruined and torn bodies and minds. Certainly I don't find reference to any one particular battle, or war, or even to contributing nations or nationalities. This is an excellent write! It flows well and obtains a texture that allows even the uninitiated to sense the horror of any kind of pointless war. I can't find anything to complain about on the technical end. Very well done!!
Win..who wins with war? Seems like for the most part that everyone looses. We are fighting a war that will kill more and help only a few, but mostly the oil people. I always wonder why we have to kill or be killed to stop the killing. Seems like if isn't worth it, but we must do as we are told to protect our way of life. This is a very nice poem, Anthony
Well written, good flow, tight rhyming.
For some reason the image of the US Civil War came to me when I read this. I remember hearing how, in the evenings, the soldiers of the North (the Blue) would cross over to visit the soldiers of the south (the Gray). They would exchange stories, trade for cigarettes and just visit. When the sun rose, they would go back to fighting.
Makes me think that the only ones that want war are the leaders. Maybe it is time for a little Civil Disobedience and "Just Say NO".
This poem is absolutely magnificent! I can feel the ambiguity in the author's words, feeling proud of his commitment, but at the same time, feeling the antipathy for his high command. For high command can hide in their million dollar homes and urge those in the battlefield to fight and continue to give of themselves, like cattle to slaughter! Soldiers go to war not knowing if they will ever return and with grandiose ideas about their cause, and at times, underestimating the enemy, which can be as fierce as they are. I like the untold story in this poem, the brutality of war and the questions it prompt us to ask, once it's all said and done. With old age comes wisdom and the ability to see things through a different light. I am grateful to have seen a side of war through your eyes. The imagery in this poem is outstanding and the fluidity is superb!
I really like this poem, and I am quite suprised that no one else has put a comment up. Meh, I can feel special.
-dances the 'first comment dance'-
-ahem-
Ok, I'm done. But about the poem, I like it. There were a few things I picked up on in the poem that were a bit off, but I really can't remember now. Oh well, nothing big then. I like how you described how the enemy was the same, just spoke a different language, it's so true and so very saddedning.
Good poem.
-hands him a candy cane and hot chocolate...or coffee- ^.^ CHeers!
Welcome !
