N: The first time I posted this, I neglected to mention that Katharine Lee Bates wrote the lyrics to the patriotic song I've quoted from briefly and
elliptically {assuming rightly or wrongly that virtually all American adults and many children recognize "America the Beautiful," as well many others.) Samuel A. Ward put the words to music. The song has an interesting history. Should any of you be interested, there is more info at a Wiki spin-off.
Before I stop rattling keys, I need to thank my esteemed friend and colleague, Andre ben-Yehu, once more for iving me the nudge that got me on the ball (much as ever). As always, thank y o u for all the warm and wonderful support and the inspiration you constantly provide via your writing, and in so many other ways.
xOx 'Pea' xOx
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War Paint
The night is even more beautiful after the killing starts. . . .rockets red glare. . .bombs bursting in air. . .
except for blood looking black and all the body parts
flying. Fog of smoke part burning flesh and flares.
Bright as Times Square or the sky above the White House.
Got your red, your blue, and your white, of course. Green,
sulphur, mud, name it. Sound’d be great if we knew how
to lower the bass and do something about the screams.
Most expensive fireworks in the world, and all for us?
What soldier wouldn’t be grateful for such kindness?
Gee, if it wasn’t for all the shattered bone and pus.
we’d leap for joy. Sorry. Don’t mind us.
The dying soothe themselves recollecting the beauties
of nature unbloodied by fratricide. Forests and fields
and deserts in colors and weaves Nature designs. Duty?
Care for others and the treasures the good earth yields.
Rockies in snow-white hats, Smokies in blue gauze scarves,
Farms. parks, wind-rocked coasts and backwater bayous
soothe fevered “fodder,” every one of whom is starved
for Nature’s make-up free look. Not to be lied to.
. . .for spacious skies. . .for amber waves of grain. . .
Vote for the natural beauty, not the painted whore
known as War.
This is so intensely written and conceived. It felt like every word I read was your hand squeezing my heart, and pushing up thoughts and tears. I didn't cry, but maybe that is senselessness; at least, my senselessness to this degree. No less, however, I feel the words, and have visioned the scenery. This is very meaningful and needed, Phyllis. Thanks for the shaker!
Phyllis Jean, this is alive with powerful and vivid scenes of terror -- melded into descriptors of nature's raw beauty that blesses our great land -- peace and love be always with you my friend -- Jon Michael
Oh hard to read the hurt is real and palpable. I wish were not so! yet it is. Someone once said war is hell, and it is, but worse for war hurts those who both are gods children and those who serve a darker master! The poem rocks!
War is hell -- especially on the soldiers who fight that war. My daddy; his four brothers; my mom's brother; some of my cousins all saw war. My brother and I didn't. We still served ... gutwrenching, in your face, powerful poetry.
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Peace,
Dayvid
Sandie Angel :o)
Sheila
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla. :(
GOD BLESS YOU
Tony
Very well done, my friend.
known as War"
Peace, Carin'
John
May we all know peace someday.
Take care, Susan
Regis