Giving War a Chance

I’m a case
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 
bits I thought were gone forever.





Liner Notes for this Groove: This poem is linked to Poets and Storytellers United's Friday Writings Prompt, War and Peace.

19 comments:

  1. Hmmm. There are things worth fighting – and things worth fighting for.

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    1. Yes, and sometimes not fighting back isn't an option.

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  2. Replies
    1. Ah, I am delighted to perplex and inspire speculation!

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  3. Hmm...a thought-provoking poem, Rommy!

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  4. Helen here … a thought provoking poem, just wars, unjust wars … who judges? Personal wars, global wars … thinking of both as I read this. Well done.

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    1. I definitely had a personal focus in mind when I wrote this, but can see other perspectives in it as well.

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  5. A lot to think about. So often lies masquerade as truth and brutality is given an excuse.

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    1. Yes, exactly! That was one of the thoughts I was playing around with when creating this piece.

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  6. When 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. :)

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    1. I love it when my readers give me something to think about!

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  7. Ignoring 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).

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    1. You'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.

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  8. Thought-provoking poem, Rommy. You do not want to face war, and then you find you have no choice.

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  9. At war with oneself perhaps? I know the feeling

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