Poets Against the War

[Angeline]

The site Poets Against the War has announced that Wednesday, March 5 is a day of anti-war poetry readings, discussion, and protest. In Washington, D.C., a group of poets including Sam Hamill (the site's founder and founder of the critically acclaimed Copper Canyon Press) will present approximately 15,000 anti-war poems to members of Congress. If you contributed a poem to the site and it was posted, it will be included among the poems presented.

Poets Against the War is no longer accepting submissions. There are wonderful powerful poems there though, and now a short video about the project and the strength of poets' voices, speaking together.

If you want to participate in tomorrow's events (which are taking place all over the world), check your local newspaper--there may be an event in your area. Either way, write a poem, read a poem to someone else, find a way to speak up!

In the video, Sam Hamill quotes the following, attributed to Albert Camus: Silence is the beginning of death.




These are solely my views and my support of the anti-war movement. I intend no offense. Just exercising an opinion and some free speech.

 

[WickedEve]

For those who want to write an anti-war poem, tonight would be a good time to submit them so they show up tomorrow. That's something I'm going to work on.

 

[Angeline]

*

 

[Rybka]

Re: My Boy

that boy whom i love
snorts when he laughs
sometimes hiccups

he calls me names

he can call me anything
he wants

because that boy
whom i love

can do anything

he can memorize
the periodic table
write poems
about clog-dancing kings
knights of square tables
and backward empires

and drink more
coca cola
than god

that boy whom i love
cried when his fish died

and once

in a tiny voice
asked me if numbers
neverending
means the same as infinity

i didn't mind when
he broke his leg

or got the dog bite
or even when i
almost lost my job

staying home with him
because he almost
lost his eye

he is taller than me
now
he just started shaving

but

i'm still in charge so
i say

he can do anything

except

be a soldier.

Hey! You are the expert, but "whom"? It sounds so wrong.
Why not use "that"?

Regards,                       Rybka

ps: I truly appreciate the sentiment.

 

[Angeline]

Rybka said:

Hey! You are the expert, but "whom"? It sounds so wrong.
Why not use "that"?


I knew I should have checked. I changed it back to who--which i originally used--but I get myself into editorial quandries sometimes. Thank you for not being as lazy as i was!


on second thought

Bah! Screw relative pronouns. I just took it out!

(and thank you for your comment. he's 15. i can honestly say that very little scares me--but that does.)

 

[karmadog]

edited to remove any rude comments.

Didn't leave much did it. My apologies to all for ranting about politics. It's a bad habit of mine.

 

[Angeline]

This space was for rant, but I changed it.

 

[stargirl32]

hell bent on distruction

staring out of the window one night, listening to the combination of the rain and the news of the impending war.
i could feel the worlds anger and even hatrid bending their views towards Iran ,,, no longer fully understanding what the hell was going on ,, how our minds can be made and un made depending on whos ideals we are currently following ,,......



by stargirl32 ©
Hell bent on destruction



Explore the galaxies on the window glass.
Bent by views of the reflective dark.
As the creeping shadows engulf ,then pass


Scouring the earth for freshest death ,
Acknowledging no borders or rulers.
Feel the cold of slaughters breath.

Add my tears to the lake of the world.
As a thousand souls are laid to rest
Covered by their countries flag unfurled ,


Today's patriot is tomorrow's dead solder.
The figures of confusion and facts of war
Are smudged like yesterdays newspaper.

 

[CattySwinger]

A poem against america's apathy.

I'm a poet against the war. I hope to find many more of them out there. Angel, your poem was beautiful, it had sorrow, and a message that was subtle, and not brash or offensive. I liked the imagery.


Numb

Sometimes it's just too much to watch. All around the glass is breaking.
Memories fade and to dust return. Inside the heart is shaking.
Somewhere a mother cries, her son has run away
Somewhere a father dies, cancer takes its prey

And where are you, and where am I when demons fill the skies?
Taking lives and forcing tears, covering our eyes
Hiding in our own fears, in our own hate, looking bleak
The horrors of our darkest thoughts, too terrible to speak.

Watch the news and sigh, at least it wasn't you
Raped and murdered by the beach, her body torn in two
A husband falls onto his knees and asks his savior why
A child who can't understand tells daddy not to cry.

Desensitized and mesmerized by the fear that claims us all
No one can have sympathy if everyone heeds its call
Put away the paper, turn off your TV
As long as your not watching, it isn't happening.

Look at all the hatred and the foolishness that comes
How many want to die for listening to an ex-president's son?
Bomb Iraq and make them pay for making us afraid
Jesus christ is watching us and telling us to raid

I've given up on crying, there's too much to cry for
The lying, hating, starving, bleeding, blind, deaf, dead and poor.

Nothing left in me but hollow words

 

[Blue Dolphin]

From the 1960`s

and Pete Seeger says it all.
if you dont know this song
FIND it please
BD




Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time passing.
Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time ago.
Where have all the flowers gone?
The girls have picked them ev'ry one.
Oh, when will you ever learn?
Oh, when will you ever learn?

Where have all the young girls gone?
Long time passing.
Where have all the young girls gone?
Long time ago.
Where have all the young girls gone?
They've taken husbands, every one.
Oh, when will you ever learn?
Oh, when will you ever learn?

Where have all the young men gone?
Long time passing.
Where have all the young men gone?
Long time ago.
Where have all the young men gone?
They're all in uniform.
Oh, when will you ever learn?
Oh, when will you ever learn?

Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time passing.
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time ago.
Where have all the soldiers gone?
They've gone to graveyards, every one.
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Oh, when will they ever learn?

Where have all the graveyards gone?
Long time passing.
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Long time ago.
Where have all the graveyards gone?
They're covered with flowers, every one.
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Oh, when will they ever learn?

Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time passing.
Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time ago.
Where have all the flowers gone?
Young girls picked them, every one.
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Oh, when will they ever learn?

 

[Angeline]

Thanks Catty

and nice to meet you. Your poem is beautifully written and so logically constructed. It certainly covers the range of reactions I have--not just to current events, but to the seemingly endless human legacy of violence.

Thanks for posting it and hope you'll unlurk more often.

 

[CattySwinger]

You'll see me around, I'm sure. If you ever feel like getting feedback on any of your poetry, feel free to PM or e-mail me.

--Kitten

 

[Debbie]

I want peace.

A poem previously posted and inspired by a poetry thread
by REDWAVE.




Searching the world for answers
by debbiexxx ©
They seek it here, they seek it there...

A wounded wild beast with survival instincts
Clinging to life with every painfully drawn breath
Chained by paw, paces morosely back and forth
Emaciated, dishevelled and the buzzards circle low
Animalistic mind driven by pain and need to be free

As the World turns another soul ascends to starry sky
Ripped from his body with a sharp knife; thrust deep
Dropping to the ground, where the innocent lies prone
Blood pools; spilt by a troubled teen's callous whim
The offender runs scared, to continue his journey in life


Across the deep blue ocean, on a far away lonely isle
A young widow weeps as she replaces her telephone
Her unborn child kicks out as it feels her sad distress
Stroking her belly as she weeps; unconsolable in loss
Another casualty in the fight of a belief; a bright future

On an cold Winters night, remembering the loss of many
A silently moving crowd gathers, brightly lit candles in hand
Young children, elderly people, teenagers, single and partnered
Hand in hand, a circle forms; joining all across the land, mourning
For a few moments all differences are forgotten, instead they unite


Trekking across many miles pilgrims seek the solace of thoughts
Their sandaled feet scuffing across the dusty, arid barren desert
Stretched before them a shimmering horizon covering many miles
Covered in dust and grit, they trudge on, searching for a meaning
The only sounds are of quiet chanting and weary soles on sand


Environmentalists struggle with logging crew, protecting trees
Researching the ozone layer, distributing precious information
Their battle long and hard as we quickly consume limited resources
At the end of each weary day they gather, talking of progress
Another day dawns on the morrow, many more they aim for us to see

Somewhere in the ghetto; dark of night, a small child cries no more
The babes last breath smothered by rough tobacco stained fingers
Brothers and sisters listen to the silence, terrified but knowing
Waiting for the screams of mother when she returns from work
Silent as their father walks from the babe's room, bottle in hand

A hospital bed, empty as strangers gather personal possessions
Quiet whispers exchanged in the dead calm of a silent ward
"Sad, but she suffered so. Such a kind soul. Poor family."
Sentimental things, cards and flowers all in a bundle in a white room
In the morgue, on a steel table, a body lies; a smile upon her face


Leaders of countries meet around a noisy conference table
Littered with papers, clicking pens and important documents
Translaters interpreting as click cameras flash and whir
Discussing current events, policies, legislation and laws
Politicians proclaim their message like whores on a corner


Vein bulging as needle pierces skin, plunger slowly pushed
Liquid gold, heaven as warmth spreads, infuses throughout
Purple indigo blue and orange yellow green; colours of a dream
Hallucinations, floating escape and a new world of reality
Relaxed body slumps, unkempt, unnoticed in a tiny room

Beside an untucked bed, kneels a small child, four or five
A small prayer, "Dear God, please look after Daddy. Amen."
Kissing Daddy's pic goodnight, he tucks himself in warmly
Hearing Mommy's distant cries through his bedroom wall
His sleep undisturbed by gunshots, grenades and bombs

A religious zealot prays on his swollen, scabby scarred knees
Unaware of his surroundings or any pain; silently praying
As the prayer hour ends he shuffles away on his small stumps
Carrying his prayer book, begging bowl and tattered blanket
All in the name of the search for the endangered species; peace

 

[Guest]

Wake Up America!

Normally I would not post anything about this absurd “Poets Against the War” bullshit.

Please…. Have you all lost your minds? War has been around as long as sex.

Perhaps you would have enjoyed being ruled by Hitler? Your heart being warmed by the thought that you kept everyone except Hitler, from going to war?

Oh, and that little issue about slavery, we could have stayed out of that one too. Of course all of the black Americans who enjoy freedom now would still be chained up!

Never mind a little “Ethnic Cleansing” it’s good to have one of those every once in a while.

I assume that all of you “Do-Gooders” are left over from the Vietnam era when your drug enhanced free spirit non-sense, caused you to spit on returning soldiers while yelling “Baby Killers” etc.

Oh and the three thousand people who died during 911, screw them it wasn’t one of my friends or relatives.

Gee and the revolution that gave you the right to post your crap, I guess that one could have been avoided also.

Look, good people will fight for what they believe in. It may be to defend one’s home, it may be to stop a rape, and it might even be to protect you and your freedom.

I love my freedom but don't let my son or daughter get killed so I can keep it.

The one thing that happens in war is good people die.

The United States Military is an all-volunteer force. Let me reiterate: All Volunteer!

Volunteer: 1. A person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service or undertaking.

If you are against war, move somewhere where there is none! Oh yeah, you might have a hard time finding that place. And if you do, it won’t have all the nice things and freedoms you now enjoy.

You people should shut your flapping Idealistic trash talking gums!

Go back to what you do best, Killing Doctors and blowing up Abortion Clinics.

I swear the gene pool is at the lowest point it’s ever been.

Disgustedly Yours,

Jmt

 

[Lauren Hynde]

Oh, there's more if you wanna: More poets against war.

 

[Angeline]

*

 

[Blue Dolphin]

Reaping what we sow

And the deadly dawn is nigh
George Bush and the man who cannot say his name properly are ready, to take the final step.

They continue to ignore the questionable legality of this war.
Ignore the worldwide condemnation of this, and remain, the United States of Aggression.

I weep my friends, for the people of the United States, for the children who will never see thier fathers, the widows to be, all in the name of Bush`s folly.
For this is surely how history will record it, oh how important now are the miscounted votes in Dade County.

My heart cries for the innocents, the Iraqi babies, mothers, husbands, who are now bound to die beneath Bush`s heel.

But most of all, I weep for you, my american friends,for whom I care so much.
As you read this, the world of Islam is in turmoil, they see the American aggression, and the terrorist organisations are rubbing their hands together.
Recruitment is snowballing, young men and women, rushing to sign on.
This is not supposition,it is happening.
Al Quieda may be virtually destroyed, but my friends, I gaurantee it will be replaced by something far more terrible.
Itwont happpen immediately, but it will.
Keep looking over your shoulders, be forever vigilant
Because they will come, as sure as eggs are eggsm they will come, to my country also.

 

[Sure]

Some things never change

"Poets Against the War"; maybe I'll start an organization of "Accountants Who Want to See Sadaam Dropped Into the Same Shredder His Son Has Used on Dissenters". Not much of an acronym, but it'll have to do. Why is it that so many of you who are creative and artistic feel you have to yield to the stereotype of a "caring, holier than thou, more aware, mother of the suffering" who surrenders all semblance of common sense. We are not the bad guys here.

We're ridding the world of one of the most inhumane creatures to ever be called a human being, and you bash Bush? Get real. The world is different. We may have been slow to learn, but we have. I'd rather see a few innocents die as collateral damage (though I detest the term), than the thousands who will die at the hands of this animal if we do nothing.

To some, this enlightened view promulgated by artists, entertainers and many who wax poetic may be impressive. To the rest of us commoners, it is naive and insulting. Use the rest of your brains, not just the creative side.

Sure

 

[Charlus]

Poets against the war

Here's a piece of juvenalia I wrote in high school.




THE FACE OF WAR

Gray clones stare into the eagle snake eye of Doubt,
too scared to move, too scared to breathe,
shadow hands caress the shoulders...

...air smells like stale blood.

The face of War
is a singular metal geopolitical Byzantine mask of Shame
of Doubt
of Fear
of Hell.
Cold gray soldiers drunk on the cannibal blood of Victory
eat meat of prisoners
choking on dust
on smoke
on Thought.
The tanks crawl across
the oil-spilled, mud filled Hell of broken souls upon the metal wood chains spike hammer wheel-of-Death.
Children scream in pain,
impaled for crimes unknown, uncommitted, unborn.
Parents dying, mothers crying, brothers lying.
The War of the Truth...

 

[Debbie]

Peace please

Screaming missiles, stench of death.
Killing, maiming, destruction.
All in the name of war.


He crawled from the trenches, covered in muck
Screams from dying comrades
And silence from shattered bodies
They were all dying or slaughtered.
His life blood spilling on to the arid ground

Fingers curled around his gun, he inched
towards the enemy lines; destined to die


The unnamed soldier died
His body never buried
Giving his all, for country, family
friends and strangers.
His last words were to the air
Clenched in his hand a faded photo
His father in the days of his childhood.
"Dad," he whispered, "I know you'll be proud.
But this was wrong, there must be another way."

The Earth accepted his liquid as sustanence
In the near future wildflowers might grow.
Where his body lay till it rotted away.

(My Grandfather went against his religious beliefs
and fought in WW11. When I asked him as a teenager
how he could have killed others? He looked at me sadly
and told me he had to fight in the hope that his children and Grand children etc would be safe and grow up
without someone like Hitler in power.)

{Yes, I proudly say. I want peace.
And know it cannot always be so.
But it is my right to say, "I want peace."}

 

[Charlus]

Poets against the war

Speaking as a stereotypical do-gooder, bleeding-heart liberal with pro-choice, socialist tendencies, I'm really amazed at how short sighted our accusers are.

Haven't they read their CIA history? Do they know about our part we played in the Iran-Iraq War? Are they sick of the National Security Council's selective memory and political double standards?

If we were attacking Saudi Arabia, home of the 9/11 hijackers and global piggy bank for Middle Eastern terror groups, I would be pro-war and might have even enlisted. I'm sick of all this alarmist rhetoric of Saddam's Weapon's of Mass Distraction.

Also, a reply to your asinine Hitler metaphors. With our current geopolitical situation and Bush's chronic stupidity, why aren't we turning the screws on, well, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Syria, Egypt, Kuwait or North "We have nuked already!" Korea. Maybe it's all the chronic Condi Rice smokes, but maybe that bitch should get her priorities straight.

I am against bombing Iraq. They are not a direct threat. I am for bombing Saudi Arabia and turning the Saudi Royal Family into sausage. Who's with me? And getting a Peace Process underway in Israel and humbling North Korea, either through saber-rattling or starving them of their precious humanitarian aid from the US. Wasn't their a saying about biting the hands that feeds you.

If we weren't going to war against the wrong dictator, I wouldn't be so pissed. Iraq is to the Bush Family what Cuba was to the CIA when Dulles and his United Fruit cronies ran the place.

Peace out and the Saudis can suck lead!

 

[Angeline]

Poetry Please

Please rant prose on the general board
We are poets: we're a horde of writers
Here and though we're sometimes impolite
And don't agree on what we think is right
We're mostly civil--we do try to be kind

Post your thoughts but mind our purpose
I'm not Sadaam I'm just someone with a belief
Like you I think what I believe is true and though
I never spat upon a vet and have sincere respect
For those who think they fight for me or mine

I do not sanction killing--
Not "his" or "ours" or anyone's

Imagine! Read Imagine
Think of one world
Think of lives in peace
And if you love some god
Then do not waste a rant at me
Believe what you believe
But what you need to do
Today besides believe
Besides support
What you support:

Pray. Pray. Pray.

 

[Angeline]

War is over

if you want it

 

[Angeline]

Eventually

poetry will appear here.

 

[stargirl32]

I'm not oposed to war,,just concered that this action is more to do with oil than peace and human rights.........





why fight for oil
when we egnore rape.
we fight for petrol rights
when we egnore human rights
where were the big boys
and their toy guns when
the peace accord was
smashed in Sierra Leone
where death still lingers
in the blood of the children.

( ps first and only draft,so if theres mistakes forgive and forget) thank you xxxstar