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Open Poetry #47
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Michael
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Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California

0 posted 2011-11-10 02:02 PM



WAR (on the Inside)


The young excitedly decorate their stories,
Veterans sit quietly, reflecting past glories…
Marching in the middle, the battle lines are drawn –
Every thought a riddle, every man a pawn!
The targets couldn’t be made anymore clear,
Sighting the enemy, like looking in a mirror.
Where the bullseye lands, it could just as well be you;
But when there’s a hit, you do what you have to.

Until one day you wake, a walking casualty,
Every choice that you make a broadcasted decree
In your own mind, sifting through the semblances of
Your ideals, now drifting with your memories of love.
So you hole yourself up from a world you can’t trust,
And drink from the cup of hope sifted like dust…
Alone, as thought recedes, arguing a dead case,
While lost empathy bleeds the purpose from your face.

A captive, staring out to a blood-garnished field,
Inside you can’t help doubt all destiny’s revealed.
Massacre of the mindless, the bodies stacked for burning.
Led on by their own blindness, those who’ve escaped yet returning.
Either by oath, or by deed, the story they all tell
Becomes the thoughtless heeding of a distant knell.
Till reality crashes the ignorant’s shore,
And wind scatters the ashes unto evermore.

Now some call it war – I just call it prison,
As it eats at my core, and misdirects my vision.
No matter what you call it, you’re sucked through its game
Till you no longer recall pride once felt in a name.
Marching in the shadow of deigned institution,
Left to the sad throes of feigned restitution…
Feeling the grinder yet churn, what hope may we yet save?
Just another day to burn, lingering in this mass grave.


Michael Anderson

© Copyright 2011 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved
suthern
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
1 posted 2011-11-10 03:29 PM


So you hole yourself up from a world you can’t trust,
And drink from the cup of hope sifted like dust…

Whether the war's in a distant land or fought within the heart of a man, the casualties are devastating... and the survivors forever changed.

This reaches down inside my chest, squeezes hard and takes my breath... and makes me so very grateful there's this thing called poetry... and Michael Anderson's pen. *S*

JL
Member Ascendant
since 2004-04-01
Posts 6128
Texas, USA
2 posted 2011-11-10 06:20 PM


"Every thought a riddle, every man a pawn!"

And it can seem that way.  Especially when you listen to the politicians babble.

Excellent write Michael, enjoyed the read.

JL


Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Maranatha!

suthern
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
3 posted 2011-11-12 07:13 PM


This stayed on my mind and I had to come read again... knowing I would ache again... The last verse is particularly wrenching... the whole is incredible... and going into my library. *S*
Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
4 posted 2011-11-13 05:55 PM


JL, lol, leave the politicians out of this... I am confused enough already.

Ruth, thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed...  I guess I should have thought better about posting a poem entitled "War" so close to Veteran's Day, especially since the poem isn't about war at all.  Making a mental note to be more considerate in the future.  


Michael

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
5 posted 2011-11-16 06:06 PM


Fine writing...perhaps the title "Mental War" or "War of the Emotions"...Watched a movie a long time ago about a marriage ending called "War of the Roses"...The movie could be an education for those contemplating marriage to the wrong person...or should I say those that married for the wrong reasons...James
Alison
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Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!
6 posted 2011-11-22 01:06 AM


Damn, Michael ... I'll be back to read your poem again.  You blow mw away with your ability to express yourself.  Damn, Michael.

A

PS - New picture .. I like it.

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