War Torn

Steven Dupere 1963 (MA)

Rhymed

There’s a sprawling field rife with crosses
Peppered black with fading names
In memory of those who paid the price
Of war's barbaric games

In an overrun creek desolate and dry
Neath a sea of blood-red sheen
Is an outskirt of a wind-blown necropolis
Overrun with moss-ridden green

There’s an elegy written of sacred ground
Where a headstone shadows a bog
Of a lad who fell dead to gun-toting men
Where he died confiding his dog

There’s a church and belfry near an old dirt road
Where the kin folk had come to pray
There’s a town half burned full of napalm dust
Of bones weathered and blown away

Doors swing wide then close hard with a shrill
Like screams that haunt every breeze
Where souls once wandered its desolate streets
And wind still serenades trees

How much life has been lost to indignity
How many have passed before their time
To be praised as heroes by purveyors of war
Who shall never be charged with its crime

So we carry on in our hearts with the knowledge,
That all men are indeed inequal
And that the blood they’ve bathed in for justice
Shall be spilled out in every sequel

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Written on November 06, 2023

Submitted by Symmetry60 on November 06, 2023

Modified by Symmetry60 on January 18, 2024

: 1:06 min read
: 147 Views

Quick analysis:

Scheme	XAXA XBCB XXXX XDXD EFXF XGXG XECX
Closest metre	Iambic pentameter
Characters	1,117
Words	219
Stanzas	7
Stanza Lengths	4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4

Full analysis for War Torn »

Steven Dupere

With a book of poetry to boast, Waltz of Semantic Tongues, Steven has been challenging nervous canvases for more time than time can shake an eon at. This is a shard of that fallout. more…

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9 Comments

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adam.gutteridge
Just fabulous Steve. The poem not only highlights the pain and suffering of war; but also the damn injustice and inequality involved. It brings to mind the juxtaposition between the war-makers and the brave souls that actually participate.
Your descriptions were so visual that, for me, it read like watching a movie. A real masterpiece mate. Congratulations! more »
LikeReply3 months ago
- Symmetry60
  Hey, I can stamp this one a "Mission Accomplished" then. I very much appreciate the accolade. Thank you for reading my fluff.
  LikeReply3 months ago
Jewoo525
Excellent poem Steve, congrats on the win man! A very poignant and timely poem, seeing everything going on in the world right now. I feel that for the wider public, it's always this time of the year that brings these sentiments out of people- sadly, the only time of the year... If it was year-round, perhaps there would be better ways to advocate against conflict.

Congrats again and here's to another month. Keep writing! more »
LikeReply 14 months ago
- Symmetry60
  In lieu of current and past events, as an ongoing theme, it's sad to consider the fact that war has been a snag on the coattail of historical precedent. There's money to be made and power to be played by those with the conscience to do so and immortality to carry it out.
  
  How I wish this was a topic for prior discussion, but alas, tis a never-ending, fruitless endeavor for all time, hence.
  I'll see you when we step out of the batter's box and up to the plate, Mr. Kipling. ;-) more »
  LikeReply 14 months ago
Vixility
This is a masterpiece of a poem! I was certain it was going top place in the top three—and was surprised when I saw it didn’t.

This is easily—with the exception of your Shakespeare-styled poem—my favorite one of yours. more »
LikeReply 24 months ago
- Vixility
  Oh! I was going to mention how the senselessness and tragedy of war your poem so wonderfully conveyed reminded me of Southey’s poem “The Battle of Blenheim” … a good read if you’re interested.
  
  Again, fine fine work of yours Steve more »
  LikeReply 14 months ago
- Symmetry60
  Hey, buddy, wuzzup!!! Don't think I don't appreciate your opinions, man, because I do...a lot.
  
  You know, as per that Shakespearean piece I wrote - I won't lie - I was pretty bummed that no one cared for it or acknowledged it for the contest. You were the only one who seemed to appreciate it. I worked damn hard on that one and really liked it - and I don't even like writing that style as I've said in the past. But damn, I really thought that one was worthy of placing, I say humbly. I'm going to repost it today because, despite the lack of attention it got, I am proud of it. Thanks again, Sir. You're a gentleman and a scallop. ;-) more »
  LikeReply4 months ago
- lovingempath
  Thanks for pointing out the Shakespearean poem John. I just read that and don't know how I missed it. Great piece Steve. I personally, also loved the poem you wrote about visiting the old homestead. I can't remember the name of it; and you've erased so many of your poems, I can't find it. John; you also put out a great poem; as you consistently do and I'm always surprised by what 'tickles the fancy' each month with the voters. I'm never surprised to see Randy's name; but so many other GREAT poems are ignored. more »
  LikeReply 14 months ago
- Symmetry60
  Thank you for the vote on Forever Love. I know it's an acquired taste for most, so I appreciate you taking a look. You've always been supportive of my good, and not so good, stuff. I appreciate you, darling. :-) more »
  LikeReply4 months ago
npirandy
Funny you should mention George Carlin. I too was a big fan. I'm glad that you wear your heart on your sleeve. It shows conviction. Stay true to your cause. The media is a cancer to the truth.
LikeReply 24 months ago
- Symmetry60
  Yeah, George has been a favorite of mine for decades. I also loved the old Cheech and Chong stuff, as well as many other brilliant comedians. There's a song that Chong sang that I always loved: "Mexican Americans like to take Spanish in High School and only get a C. LOL!!! So damn funny their old stuff. Loved the "Looks like dog shit" bit and many others.
  
  As for wearing hearts on sleeves - indeed I do. I'm not afraid to speak my mind or show emotion. I was raised that way. I'm an empath and a crybaby Pisces. LoL more »
  LikeReply4 months ago
Kaytee
Congrats! Fabulous work my friend. I’m so you are getting accolades you truly deserve.
LikeReply 14 months ago
- Symmetry60
  Thanks, bud. Missed it by a buck, I did. ;-)
  LikeReply4 months ago
lovingempath
Congratulations Steve! I agree with Randy; this should have been an easy money maker. It's quite the departure from your usual style. The visuals you use here are pertest and drew me in immediately. The sentiment is strong. I had a hard time choosing between this poem and the squirrel poem The coin chose the squirrel :) Beautiful piece of art!! more »
LikeReply 14 months ago
- Symmetry60
  Thank you very much. Was hoping it would do a bit better, but all I can do is my best.
  LikeReply4 months ago
npirandy
You deserved much more recognition for this work than you have received. GOOD JOB!
LikeReply 14 months ago
- Symmetry60
  I appreciate that, Randy. Means a lot.
  LikeReply4 months ago
- npirandy
  I told you before. You've got talent, my friend. Keep up the good work.
  LikeReply 14 months ago
Marangal09
It defines loyalty to duty, love of country even to the point of dying for it. It describes what extension of politics can do and who ultimately suffers.
LikeReply 14 months ago
- Symmetry60
  I very much appreciate the vote and kind words. Thank you.
  LikeReply4 months ago
npirandy
The imagery is poignant, and the message is clear. As a vet, I can relate to this. Thus, my vote.
LikeReply 14 months ago
- Symmetry60
  This was written for men like you. Thank you for serving, Sir. Respect....
  LikeReply4 months ago

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"War Torn" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/175715/war-torn>.

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