Sunday, 10 November 2024

Musing at the Cenotaph

The cenotaph – an empty tomb

In which a Nation’s lost souls bloom

A poignant symbol all agree

Of futile deaths in lands called “free” …

 

Signed Treaties reneged, then unkept;

Countless widows who have wept;

Man’s failure to maintain the peace

Reminds us War is on long-lease…

 

Conflicts blight our news today:

Heartless drones the bold, smart way!

Though pretexts vary down the years

Every time we shed more tears …

 

At stake – vast oil or water deals

Land acquisition, faith ideals.

So, Injustice furls its banner high

War ignites and brave men die …

 

Global warming’s a rough ride!

“To love one’s neighbour,” we should strive

But sadly, human nature’s flawed

It’s simpler to gird up our sword! 


(c) Poet in the woods 2024


The Cenotaph in Whitehall, London


2 comments:

  1. Well done, Sarah!

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  2. I like this very much, do you know of Malcom Guitt a prominent British and also Anglican poet. He writes very much in this style which I guess is in no small way influenced by Owen.
    Nice to hear from you, we are all well
    K gets tired with work and the boys, but they are a very happy family

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