Overwhelming Shadows of war Destiny speaks Coming ashore
Future’s darkness All light erased Freedom removed Feeling misplaced
Opposition All dissent crushed Outlook grows dim Speaking now hushed
Heartache cries out Resistance fades Hope extinguished Hiding afraid
Tomorrow’s breath Empty of pulse War carries on Grinding impulse
All images courtesy of Pinterest.
Writer’s Note: I’ve been watching the History Channel’s documentary on World War II, hosted by Tom Hanks. The images seen inspired the writing of this poem.
This poem embarks on an emotional journey, and I hope that my words have been respectful to all. For some readers, these verses may bring back painful memories. For others, a greater awareness of war’s images may come about.
War doesn’t determine who’s right. War determines who remains.
When man begins to think that he is responsible for writing the script of the world, he forgets the forces that dream up our reality.
Rebecca (R. F.) Kuang (born 1996) is a Chinese-American writer. Much of her writing is filled with fantasy themes, but sometimes the images become more than real. Both of the above quotes come her book, THE POPPY WAR (published in 2018).
The journey of a vicious and unforgiving war in Ukraine has touched countless people in profound ways. May a compassionate world continue to pray for this nation. The spirit of freedom and self-determination survives each and every day.
Everyday heroes share the spirit of many as Ukrainian citizens deal with the daily burden of war. Taken from recent news and photos, many images fill the following verses.
The Great War (later renamed World War I) began on July 28, 1914. The rapid mobilization of armies carried the war forward until November 18, 1918. This poem shares a narrative voice of those decisive years.
American World War I cemetery near Verdun, France. (courtesy of Pinterest)
Entangling treaties joining nations
Old school diplomacy’s fixation
Glorification of war’s romance
Titanic wills collide, ghostly dance
Distant continent boiling over
Single shot ignites war’s makeover
Ill-prepared, mortal combat waiting
Millions now face death, devastating
Modern weaponry overpowers
Military tactics of old sour
Now transforming nations’ fertile ground
Mankind’s killing fields, forever found
Privileged few making decisions
Common citizens fill divisions
Ruthless fighting in blood-filled trenches
Calling soldiers into death’s clenches
Exhausted nations, pushing ahead
World waiting for war’s sunset instead
Men, resources, and will running low
At last, reason stops war’s bloody flow
War to end all wars finally ends
Lasting peace stands ready to pretend
When the armistice was signed, the world hoped for lasting peace. (courtesy of Pinterest)
English writer, H. G. Wells (1866-1946), who is sometimes called the “Father of Science Fiction,” also provided social commentary. These words share his sentiments about war: “It is not reasonable that those who gamble with men’s lives should not stake their own.” “If we don’t end war, war will end us.”
Big Sky Buckeye 