National Day of Poetry Against the War on February 12.

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D.Lester Young
Senior Member

since 2001-12-08

Posts 1219
Austin, Tx

0 posted 2003-02-05 07:46 AM

If you want to send a poem in the hope that a peaceful solution might work go to site below. I am a Vietnam veteran who wants the US to never go to war unless all possible avenues have been made. I can believe as a poet, that my heart wants peace.

If you want to add a poem to the poet site, it is at http://poetsagainstthewar.org/ . The poem I submitted will be below. If you want please add yours. I want to see where your heart is.

In response to the Whitehouse cancellation of "Poetry and the American Voice" Symposium, UPC/Poets for Peace is creating and co-sponsoring a series of poetry Read-Ins across the USA.

Laura Bush was to be there but when some poets expressed their individuality of opinion, it was canceled. A poet’s voice should never be canceled for we are the conscience of a free America.

[This message has been edited by D.Lester Young (02-05-2003 08:52 AM).]

D.Lester Young
Senior Member

since 2001-12-08

Posts 1219
Austin, Tx

1 posted 2003-02-05 07:48 AM

Poetic Peace Of Mind

Notes blended
In a washing machine
Heated up
To crisp perfection
So cozy
That its tenderness
Touches your heart

In the power
Of nature’s realm
Storming in winds
Thundering in
Clapping applause
Lighting the sky
In a gentle drizzle
Of exquisite pleasures

In a love
So animal
That it sweats
Into your pores
Draining the energy
Into a pool
Of swimming thoughts
Refreshing the soul
In a rebirth
Of sexual moves

In a blossom
So delicate
That its beauty
Blinds you
With its purity
Overpowering fragrance
Putting a tear
On your cheek
Where hurt once
Fertilized pain

A gem
Sparkling
In your aura
Dancing spirit
Feeling so free
So precious
The ground
You float on
That heavens gate
Opens its words
In such delight
Priceless treasure
Of rainbow veins
Breathing life
With no more
War

Meditation
In the peace
That tranquility
Puts the world at rest
In a blanket
Of poetic love
In a philosophy
Of prayers
Bleeding from within
The equality
Of humanity
Loving one
And then
The other

In a ghostly
Refrain
The winds of time
Echo the message
Of fallen comrades
Whispering
Make love
Not war

D.Lester Young 2/5/2003
Tuscaloosa, AL
Copyright © D.Lester Young (White Eagle poetry)

Nan

Administrator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-05-20

Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA

2 posted 2003-02-05 08:04 AM

Thank you, DLY... I shall see what I can put together. Shal we consider this a poetic challenge, everyone???..

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean

since 1999-07-07

Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla

3 posted 2003-02-05 08:13 AM

D Lester,
I can only resubmitt my last poem

Chaos

It is chaos rules existence.
And we peer into the instance.
Watching waves of eternity.
Roll the shores of forever be.

The phantom of its beauty tolls
The very buffer of our souls
We are a part of time itself
And never meant to sit a shelf.

Dots of matter are but batter.
Reabsorbed and then they scatter.
Form again and there we are.
Living near a little star.

There’s no need for comprehension
Perhaps a little attention
We were not meant to seek an end
But merely sail around the bend.

We are the chafes of chaos fate
For change rolls on, that is the state.

Nan

Administrator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-05-20

Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA

4 posted 2003-02-05 08:16 AM

I would also encourage those of you who respond to this challenge to post your poem in this thread for DLY's benefit... and also as an independent post for everyone who doesn't find their way into this thread... Let's hear it, folks... - Great thoughts from both DLY and SY already...

D.Lester Young
Senior Member

since 2001-12-08

Posts 1219
Austin, Tx

5 posted 2003-02-05 08:17 AM

Thank you Nan and Seymour Tabin your words are surely blessed.

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean

since 2002-08-27

Posts 40215
Realms of Light

6 posted 2003-02-05 08:30 AM

Your poem was very moving. May your voice be joined by all. God bless each and every one of us.

A Poem For Peace

~*~

Let's hold hands, brothers and sisters,
Around our Mother Earth,
Love encircling this lone blue planet,
This giving home of our birth.

We all are brothers and sisters,
Regardless of creed or race,
Hold hands my brothers and my sisters,
Make our world a peaceful place.

Let's sing praise to our Father in the heavens,
Let's rejoice in our global family,
Open hearts with love and understanding,
Sharing lives in peace and harmony.

Let's hold hands my brothers and my sisters,
Let's all pray for everlasting peace,
May we respect and love one another,
May all wars forever truly cease.

Let's stand united as brothers and sisters,
As we spin through space and time,
Holding hands, praying together,
Ensuring peace for all mankind.

D.Lester Young
Senior Member

since 2001-12-08

Posts 1219
Austin, Tx

7 posted 2003-02-05 08:37 AM

Thank you Earth Angel, the tears are falling on Mother Earth, for every poets tears comes from the heart that cares.

[This message has been edited by D.Lester Young (02-05-2003 08:39 AM).]

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius

since 1999-07-05

Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA

8 posted 2003-02-05 09:14 AM

The Wall

Row after row of names engraved
Upon a jet black wall
I do not know a single one
But Lord I owe them all

Years and memories have passed
Since they died at war
Let this be our reminder
That there shall be no more

Let us build no other walls
Upon them names to grace
But rather put an end to war
And brother man embrace

[This message has been edited by hoot_owl_rn (02-05-2003 09:15 AM).]

Mistletoe Angel

Member Empyrean

since 2000-12-17

Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon

9 posted 2003-02-05 09:15 AM

(big hugggssssssss) Thank you so much for bringing this to our attention, I want to use every cell in my body to rebel against war, for I think war is the most foolish and incoherent response I have heard yet!

I will spread the word on this immediately to everyone at the University of Colorado in Boulder, who are very liberal and indeed would joinn in, even if anyone got shot by the pepper spray of belligerence!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

D.Lester Young
Senior Member

since 2001-12-08

Posts 1219
Austin, Tx

10 posted 2003-02-05 09:33 AM

Thank you hoot_owl_rn and Mistletoe Angel your prayers are in the winds of a hope we can all live in peace.

Thought:Words at war will never make peace.

[This message has been edited by D.Lester Young (02-05-2003 09:43 AM).]

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

11 posted 2003-02-05 10:27 AM

D. Lester.....thank you for this.

Here is my contribution from 8-02

Expression from the Corner’s Shopping Cart

Curve of lashes take me to a place
outside in dark
a moon song of expression in the corner’s
shopping cart

Built from all the coupons that surround
me with confuse
with the front page of the paper
and the latest blow up news

Should I open up this fear that plants
my chemistry
with battles fought and children caught
in hateful blasphemy

My spirit takes it like a slap
on the face of what is grace
and to hide is near impossible
when a prayer is made from hate

I wonder how one person can rearrange
this way of man
where circles were unbroken now all I see
is trash filled cans

And more and more to see my jaded eyes
are looking down
to find the tiny dignity
of some green cement surrounds

This quiet comfort fills me with the need
To make amends
but what for and who too the list it seems
might never end

So I sing within myself a tune
of loving arms surround
and I touch the ones I’m holding close
within my cotton gown

Then like magic in the midnight sky
with opal riding low
I hear the soft sound of mending
from other hearts who also sow

D.Lester Young
Senior Member

since 2001-12-08

Posts 1219
Austin, Tx

12 posted 2003-02-05 10:46 AM

Thanks Martie for the freshness of your words do create peace within your heart.

D.Lester Young
Senior Member

since 2001-12-08

Posts 1219
Austin, Tx

13 posted 2003-02-05 10:51 AM

I hate to be adding too much of my own content but I wanted to share this.

A Poem For Laura Bush

You say you love the words
Of the world’s poets
Freely written
From their hearts of gold
Seeking peace and tranquility
In independent thought

In writing so free
Censorship can not exist
In the free speech
Of being yourself
For our spirits ride
The heavenly winds
Climbs the mountains
Ride the waves
Of creative magic
In nature’s carpentry

Writing poetry
Is not about being anti war
It is about living and dying
About the pain inside us
The frustration
The exhilaration
Being rolled in one
A roller coaster journey
Of mixed emotions

For most poets
The war is within
Trying to make the puzzle fit
With too many pieces
Being multi directional

Yet history remembers
Frustrated poets of yesteryear
Often in more respect
Than politicians

So Laura in the love
Of the language
Never ever cancel something
That allows poets to speak
For it may in return
Come back to haunt you
In those words spoken
By our future poets

So in a White House
That espouses American virtues
In being able to express yourself
From the Constitutional right
Of free expression
Let the words ring
In our right to debate
Public policy

Remember Laura
A poet’s voice
Should never be canceled
For we are the conscience
Of a free America

Thought: Laura, I know the problems you have being a loyal wife and it pains me that you were forced to cancel a tribute to world thinkers. I wish you would decide to have the tribute again and if you can not attend just leave a red rose on the podium for us poets. We will then under stand your inner beauty. You can have it recorded privately, free of political pressure or censorship.

Thought: Sometimes the strongest woman lives in a man’s shadow.

Thought: Words at war will never make peace.

Thought: If just by poets wanting peace we automatically become activists, so be it. In the podiums of the world’s religions, it is having moral character. Yet religious wars have followed history as poets have fought for a conscience. What you then have is a failure to communicate freely within your own time.

D.Lester Young 2/5/2003
Tuscaloosa, AL
Copyright © D.Lester Young (White Eagle poetry)

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

14 posted 2003-02-05 11:40 AM

Flags flying half-mast
Undulating wave, goodbye
Sea finds sky in curl

Moonlight Romeo

Senior Member

since 2001-09-10

Posts 982
The heart of you

15 posted 2003-02-05 12:17 PM

I would like to contribute the following:

The Price of Justice
Who will pay the price of justice for the lives that have been lost?
Who will pay the price of justice, and what will be the cost?
The cost will be measured in lives and broken hearts.
This is what the coin will be, should a new war start.

Who will pay the price of justice when the siren sounds so clear?
Who will pay the price of justice while a world waits in fear?
They will come from every family and every walk of life.
Some will leave behind families, and some will leave a wife.

Who will pay the price of justice when all is said and done?
Who will pay the price of justice, and what will they have won?
Will you be one who cheers when the war is finally done?
Or will you be one who weeps over a father or a son?

Who will pay the price of justice for a world that's finally at peace?
Who will pay the price of justice and will the war of terror cease?
You who scream for war will not be the ones who pay.
It will be those who die, and will not see another day.

Who will pay the price of justice and will it be worth the cost?
Will what we gain in war, my friends, make up for what we've lost?

Thank you, and may there be peace.

What light through yon window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.

Mistletoe Angel

Member Empyrean

since 2000-12-17

Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon

16 posted 2003-02-05 01:25 PM

I submitted a revised version of "Mongoose" to add to their on-going harbor of sincere poetry.

Sincerely,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

Midnitesun

Member Empyrean

since 2001-05-18

Posts 28647
Gaia

17 posted 2003-02-05 01:31 PM

"A poet’s voice should never be canceled for we are the conscience of a free America."

Even a non-poet's voice should never be cancelled or ignored.
Thanks for the info.
Our voices of Peace must speak louder than the hooping and hollering of war cries. I've had lots of practice at protesting since circa 1960's.
I'd like to see anyone try to shut me up.

Midnitesun

Member Empyrean

since 2001-05-18

Posts 28647
Gaia

18 posted 2003-02-05 01:36 PM

* a repost from Passions Forum #17*

As my heart beats to the powerful drums of Kitaro,
And Tangerine Dreams hold me tight this cold night,
I hear Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata,
And as The Tide Rushes In,
Can U2 hear my beating heart?
Imagine if All The People
wanted to Hold Your Hand.
Would you Let It Be?
For if Love Is The Seventh Wave,
we can Fly Like An Eagle,
or soar On The Wings of A Snow White Dove,
and even Catch a Falling Star.
Let It Be,
Let It Be.
Let there be Peace in the Valley,
Let there be Heaven On Earth,
We Need It Now.

Thank you to all the wonderful songwriters and musicians who have written words of Love and Peace to all humanity, and may we all sing these words of Love and Peace in harmony.

******************************************

May ripples of LOVE
become waves of PEACE

D.Lester Young
Senior Member

since 2001-12-08

Posts 1219
Austin, Tx

19 posted 2003-02-05 01:37 PM

Sunshine, Moonlight Romeo and Midnitesun thanks for contributing, for a poetic mind is a very special one seeking the inner spirit within the peace and tranquilty of a questioning poet.

[This message has been edited by D.Lester Young (02-05-2003 01:40 PM).]

Mistletoe Angel

Member Empyrean

since 2000-12-17

Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon

20 posted 2003-02-05 02:00 PM

"A world where peace and love are out of sight
leaves little hope to live without a fight."

- Christiane Grenzebach, Germany

“All people are able to listen to the voices of our plea…but only those with hearts will fulfill them”.

Tais Lintz, Ontario, Canada

"The world either lives in peace or soon there won't be a world to live in."

Ricardo Alfaya, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Sincerely,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira
[This message has been edited by Mistletoe Angel (02-05-2003 02:02 PM).]

paladin

Senior Member

since 2001-08-05

Posts 930
Pensacola,Fl.

21 posted 2003-02-05 02:13 PM

I had two tours of combat duty in Viet Nam.I hate war if it can be avoided.We have to face reality.I would refuse to live in peacefull co-existance with an alligator in my swimming pool.He would by his very nature consider me food.We can not depend on the co-operation of Saddam Hussein to get rid of weapons of mass destruction.We have to stop him before he uses them.If it means resorting to direct intervention I reluctantly say so be it.God help us we have no choice.

paladin

....a knight without armor

[This message has been edited by paladin (02-05-2003 09:45 PM).]

D.Lester Young
Senior Member

since 2001-12-08

Posts 1219
Austin, Tx

22 posted 2003-02-05 02:50 PM

Paladin I too agree to use it if there is no alternative but if we need not have another politcal war where the rules change daily, as they did in Vietnem, for then I must use my free speech as a tool to question.

So when a tribute to poetry is cancelled out of fear of poets being heard, then in my independent voice, I shall speak. In that voice all opinions can be respected.

For in the rights we have as being American the right to debate issues should never be in doubt. And when you live in T Town and they ban furniture on porches, then the words of ordinary citizens must be heard again.

If we were attacked I would be their ready to fight just like you, but just be sure we have the right enemy. In respect to your opinion as a poet so talented, I honor your words.

Wishing for peace should never be outlawed! I am always seeking my inner tranquility.

[This message has been edited by D.Lester Young (02-05-2003 02:53 PM).]

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

23 posted 2003-02-05 03:15 PM

David, I am glad to see that you advocate the "necessary" if need be.

We should all be heard; pro/con, even the passive.

BUT...once the decision is made, we should stand behind our President.

100%

I posted my poem on this link simply because I know what is inevitable; we will have losses; there will be suffering; but as Paladin said...we have to face reality.

What I did not like was that their was a cancellation of "Free Speech". However, I can also understand the thinking behind it. We're in a no-win situation until a hand is played.

I pray we have the right hand.

Toerag
Member Ascendant

since 1999-07-29

Posts 5622
Ala bam a

24 posted 2003-02-05 03:19 PM

I agree with Paladin....there is a time, and the time is now....we sat around a tad too long with Hitler...don't ya think?

D.Lester Young
Senior Member

since 2001-12-08

Posts 1219
Austin, Tx

25 posted 2003-02-05 03:45 PM

Toerag, yes we have to deal with Iraq and the truth. I respect you for giving your poetic opinion.

In my faith I will still hope for the miracle of peace at any level we can get it.

Ratleader

Member Rara Avis

since 2003-01-23

Posts 7026
Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass

26 posted 2003-02-05 05:04 PM

The Five Thousand Friendly Dead

have made their
encampment
right beside the
fifteen thousand
enemy dead, and
some innocent guys
who just happened
to get in the way.

It’s strange how
they all get along now;
nobody shooting or anything.
Could it be that when
twenty thousand
and some
innocent guys are dead,
nobody really gives
a damn who was
friendly, and who was
the enemy,
and who just
happened to get
in the way?

D.Lester Young
Senior Member

since 2001-12-08

Posts 1219
Austin, Tx

27 posted 2003-02-05 06:24 PM

Ratleader a very inspiring piece.

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