of reverse conscription,
told there was nothing
to fight. My head
aches from all the times
I’ve had to turn it
fast enough to convince myself
that the flesh and sinew at my feet
weren’t torn from me just now.
False peace diminished
heart and spirit,
but honest war mended
but honest war mended
bits I thought were gone forever.
Photo by Hugo Jehanne on Unsplash
Song Choice: Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting by Elton John
Liner Notes for this Groove: This poem is linked to Poets and Storytellers United's Friday Writings Prompt, War and Peace.
Hmmm. There are things worth fighting – and things worth fighting for.
ReplyDeleteYes, and sometimes not fighting back isn't an option.
DeletePerplexing, as all good poetry should be.
ReplyDeleteAh, I am delighted to perplex and inspire speculation!
DeleteHmm...a thought-provoking poem, Rommy!
ReplyDeleteI love it when I can get a reader thinking!
DeleteHelen here … a thought provoking poem, just wars, unjust wars … who judges? Personal wars, global wars … thinking of both as I read this. Well done.
ReplyDeleteI definitely had a personal focus in mind when I wrote this, but can see other perspectives in it as well.
DeleteA lot to think about. So often lies masquerade as truth and brutality is given an excuse.
ReplyDeleteYes, exactly! That was one of the thoughts I was playing around with when creating this piece.
DeleteInteresting point of view.
ReplyDeleteThanks Su-sieee
DeleteWhen I was conscripted (a long time ago) I was sore and angry that the country put me in danger's way, firing rifles, lobbing grenades and stabbing sandbags. Now that I am older, I understand why my little country put me through all these. I think your poem reminds me of that. :)
ReplyDeleteI love it when my readers give me something to think about!
DeleteIgnoring the horrors we must face, or letting others obscure reality for us, is never a good tactic. Best face the war with eyes wide open. The alternative can leave us blind (and dead, inside and out).
ReplyDeleteYou've gotten at the heart of it, or at least the heart of my intended meaning (I definitely don't want to invalidate other views). But yes, once we know our view have been obscured, seeing sometimes demands action.
DeleteThought-provoking poem, Rommy. You do not want to face war, and then you find you have no choice.
ReplyDeleteAt war with oneself perhaps? I know the feeling
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ReplyDelete