Ditch the ads, upload images and much more - upgrade today from 5.95/month!
Read Contests Groups Learn Forums Store Help
 

War is hell

Missing image

The sun is down,
and day is done.
A mother's lost,
her only son.

A little girl,
has lost her dad.
His little boy
is always sad.

He's left behind,
a grieving wife.
This war's destroyed,
her hopes, her life.

The warrior's gone;
now laid to rest;
for all of us;
we've lost our best.

He gave his life,
so far away,
and freedoms torch
won't pass away.

They say this war
will end them all,
but violent ways
again will call.

The rich and strong
have sent our best,
to seek out gold,
an endless quest.

To gain more wealth,
our soldiers die;
it matters not,
that mothers cry.

What good has come?
I cannot tell.
That's why they say,
that war is hell.
 
 

Author notes

Don't get me wrong as you read this. I am not pacifist. I am a retired military man and I would gladly give my life to defend this great country. However it seems that wars never change anything, the rich get richer, the young die and the world is never better afterwards.

It seems man has an endless propensity for violence to attempt to achieve his own goals or power and greed.

and the wars go on........

In a list

A contest entry

Please tell me what you think

    : , Your review:

    Comment Suggestion: What is your your first impression? Line numbers
    : no Cost: 0 free left 0 points, You have (?) (Line numbers)

Comments

1 - 49 of 49
  • I like this poem. War is hell and nothing is ever the same no matter how many lost lives save innocent ones. Great ending line. very dramatic. I like that you point out the loss and greed without sounding high and mighty.

  • Pollycheck silver member
    April 19

    Edit | Reply
    Thank you for entering my military contest. I must agree with you, it seems that what ever war we are in at the timew, it is the war that will end all wars. But yet, they continue to happen. Why can't we learn from history?

  • Serene
    March 30

    Edit | Reply
    The loss of a soldier in the war is really "hell" for the loved ones whom the soldier has touched. A very moving piece!

    Rena~

  • Good Job , good write... very true...

  • beautiful write

    thanks for sharing this lovely poem. My brother was in the Viet Nam war and we were so thankful when he came home. But it saddens me so to hear of all the men and women who have either lost their lives or been injured. My heart goes out to all those left behind to face the days of not knowing what the outcome for their loved one is going to be. Thanks again for sharing and a beautiful job. childlike faith

  • "and when the battle is done you'll see no one has won"-Unknown.

    I love this. War is hell, and you've captured this deeply in the poem. And I seriously dislike war, and i'll never get into the military, but the people who do fight in the wars are the bravest people ever.


  • secberm
    March 26

    Edit | Reply
    Not retired, but ex-army. Not a pacifist, but a realist. No I wouldn't die for this country as much as I would die for ideas and people I believe in. One.

    Dez


  • rustynite silver member
    March 26
    Edit | Reply
    An Outstanding statement on what I call the politics of
    war. A cause has now become lip service for profit. I understand where you are coming from being a soldier
    myself though no longer a member. Our leaders sell others peoples souls for profit as they stand draped in a flag of soundbites. I should also say that this is a wonderful poem full of imagery.


  • Ladybug3151
    March 26
    Edit | Reply
    Wow I'm speechless! Touched my heart. This is so very true! Excellent write!


  • Rashae
    March 26

    Edit | Reply
    War is a sign that man will always fight with itself, whether on the battle grounds of some far off place or in the living room of a family home... I agree, wars gonna keep coming and it is hell... I really wish I had a box of tissues right here.


  • nobodys-girl
    March 26
    Edit | Reply
    i have never been in a war and most think i am too young to have any idea on it. i don't agree with war. we lose or family and our friends. but while i don't agree with it i do realize that because of war, i have the right to voice these opionions. thankyou so much for writting such a truthfull poem.


  • Ress
    March 26

    Edit | Reply
    Wonderfully executed, though the thoughts are tragically true. I've had family that served in the military, as well as known people who have. My third cousin spoke of serving during WWII, and while he saw many places, he saw many tragedies as well, including losing his brother, a tail gunner, whose plane was shot down, and he was killed in action. Then there was a friend of the family who served in 'Nam and was never quite the same after that. He eventually committed suicide.

    Sometimes war is indeed a necessary evil, but it ougth to be a last resort. It's one thing to defend, but what I've noticed throughout history is that most wars have their origins in religion, money, and politics. And sadly, those behind it appear to think only of that and nothing else. I'm sure there are some in the higher ranked that do actually give a damn, but they seem to be few and far between.

    Wars are good proof that absolute power (whether split or not -- there is no law that states that democracies cannot be corrupt.) corrupts absolutely, that the love of money is one of the many roots of evil, and that the term "holy war" is an oxymoron.

    Not to mention that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

    I tip my hat to you. A brilliant piece indeed.

  • June-bug
    March 26

    Edit | Reply
    Fantastic write. great flow of the thoughts presented. Yes war is hell...like you say the rich get richer..the population left trying to figure out how to settle..like you as a veteran I would gladly rise up to defend America if needed..but war is hell. I could go on for queit awhile on this but nothing would change..but the dollar amount in the oil mans pocket and the poor man trying to survive. Great write and summary of the emotions capture in your thoughts.


  • EmmaLuLu
    March 26
    Edit | Reply
    What a lovly poem.you should puublish this
  • unfortunately war is a necessary evil. God bless America


  • Elle Kaye
    March 25

    Edit | Reply
    Wow, this was great. the rhyme was perfect. There was such power in this poem, i really enjoyed it. It seems that even after war is over.. there are still those who are left fighting. Beautiful write you have penned.


  • Twinstar gold member
    March 25

    Edit | Reply

    Excellent

    An excellent write, Very powerful, great rhyme and rhythm.

    Love & Light
    Debbera

  • Amazing and true. It seems as if this world is stuck on a loop. Our beginning is our end, and when it ends it's back at the beginning. Beautiful poem with a great flow. Great write


  • Angelflower Greeters member
    March 25

    Edit | Reply
    Beautiful.. Wars are always inside us even when we are not fighting.. The world is an ugly place when we really look at it.. God let us make it that way I think..To teach us a lesson, some of us have learned that lesson.. some have yet to even know that it's there...War is meant for this world I think.. I know that sounds bad but thats what I think.. I mean we are an angry people, everyone... Will there ever be peace here? I know there will be when we all go up the stairs and stuff but here I don't think there will be.. In mind body and soul will each and everyone of us find peace I think.. anyway sorry for making this so long, dad.. Love you lots!!! and this was a great write!!
    Jetleena

  • grannyeri gold member
    March 25

    Edit | Reply
    How very true; with the end of each war, people breathe a sigh of relief and think this will not happen again, but... as long as there are people in power who want to keep that power and who want to try to push others into doing things their way, war will wage on generation after generation. Was nothing learned from the war in Viet Nam? It appears not. Great flow, rhythm and rhyme in these lines. Sentiments well expressed in these verses.


  • herrlurch
    March 25

    Edit | Reply

    I like it very much

    since it pins down the senselessness of war in simple yet effective words. Although our countries are different and we definitely have a different perspective on war, I share your thoughts in the pointless crimes you mentioned that make family fathers (potential) murderers and victims at the same time (don't get me wrong please I think however you have to see both sides, attackers/ attacked and militaries/civilians).

  • hardcoreemo2
    March 25
    Edit | Reply
    tht this world is this crap its hell allright
  • hardcoreemo2
    March 25
    Edit | Reply
    its rly sad :

  • breedluv silver member
    March 25

    Edit | Reply
    I am so anguished at the futility of war for the wrong reasons. I do believe that sometimes there are justified wars; certainly WW1 and WW2, Afghanistan, and in most ways Korea. I would add that Operation Desert Storm could be justified as a war against aggression. I do have problems with the Iraq War and it's similarities with Vietnam. Love the soldier, hate the war. My feelings:http://allpoetry.com/poem/4028817

  • Papagallo
    March 25

    Edit | Reply

    Words So True

    War is indeed hell. Never had to serve during a war, but a year of active duty durung the Cuban Missile Crises scared the hell out of me. We had a few hairy moments with officers thinking they were John Wayne. My heart and prayers go out to all men and women who gave their life for freedom of others. Thank you for serving and God bless.


  • dycz
    March 25
    Edit | Reply

    Excellent!

    All I can say right now is BRAVO!!!... best of luck soldier... great write!

  • wow i dont know what to say but wow this was something else but it was very very very very good and i loved it you did a great job on it nice work
    ~brookeann~
  • I am a pacifist and I agree with you - nothing ever changes, except the number of dead


  • majik matt
    March 25
    Edit | Reply

    yup

    i agree 200% but no one listens to a 17 year old
  • peaceman
    March 25

    Edit | Reply
    We all seem to talk about this war in the abstract -- I think because it is so difficult to face our national shame: WMD, Abu Ghraib, Rumsfeld, low public participation, the child president one-upping Dad, and the list goes on. I like your poem, but soon we will have to deal with our mistakes, and our shame, directly, before healing begins. We will continue to do great harm to innocent people until we face our hell; Bush's War.

  • punisher
    March 25

    Edit | Reply
    yes, we simple poor folk are but toy soldiers to thoes who make War, old men talking, young men dyeing. I don't see how being able to kill more people than another country makes you powerful.... it only causes pain and hatred on both sides, powerful poem.

  • Dr John Celes
    March 25

    Edit | Reply

    very true

    yes, war begets more violence.and is surely not the way to achieving lasting peace but just a way of destroying the avaliable little peace, lives and resources.


  • Hekate gold member
    March 21

    Edit | Reply
    Wow, this leaves you so very speechless...it gave me tears...I mean just wow this poem is so powerful


  • michael perez
    February 29

    Edit | Reply
    YES WARS GO ON AND ON SO THAT IS WHY I WILL GO AND TRY TO MAKE A WORLD A BETTER PLACE AND I KNOW THAT I WILL AND IT ALL BEGINS TODAY

  • HeavensDaughter
    February 4
    Edit | Reply
    **tears** This poem explains part of why I so long for my real home.

    Good write, Mark.


  • raggyann
    December 16, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    i thank our vets for my freedom
    but war is not the answer just like you said you know better than me tyyou were there
    god bless you


  • Rhyming From Rehab gold member
    September 14, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Coming from a family with a large military background, I find it sad to know many have lost their lives, and that it is the family that is left to grieve. This photo reminded me of my father whom sadly passed last year, and was given his military funeral...brought tears to my eyes, and reminded me of how proud of his country he was...with moist eyes, again an excellent write!


  • VampQueen
    July 23, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Yes war is hell. My entire immediate is either currently in, or retired from the military and I will joining up as well. My oldest sister is currently overseas and I'm worried about her. Everyday.

    I know that families worry about people who go off to war, friends and family and acquaintances. It has been my dream for many years now to go into the military. To help and serve my country. I know the risks and I am willing to take the possibility of dieing overseas away form family, friends and loved ones.

    Many kudos to you. Keep up the great writes!

    ~*~VampQueen~*~


  • artis gold member
    January 30, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    endless engagements that only marry young men and women to death itself, errors by commanders-in-grief, who simply blunder on, their children safely ensconced in private academies or colleges far from the mayhem they have created, and now they seek to sen

    send more fathers to become fodder, sons of mine to become sons of the mined, daughters to the slaughters, moms to the bombs, Body bag-hdad, war is hell and the demons who run it, pitch their forks in the road, cleverly, but each turn twists the souls of true Americans to grievous pain. Godspeed to byou, and peace to you and yours, my brother-in-arms...Artis


  • Addicted to Rehab
    January 29, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    HOW TRUE

    HOW TRUE YOUR WORDS ARE! THERE WILL ALWAYS BE ANOTHER SADAM... BUT LUCKLY FOR SOME CHILDREN WHO HAVE TO LIVE IN A COUNTRY LIKE IRAQ, WE HAVE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO THINK FREEDOM IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR, AND FOR AT LEAST ONE CHILD OR MOTHER IT DOES MAKE THEIR WORLD A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE! MY HAT GOES OFF TO ALL THOSE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN, THEY ARE TRUELY HERO'S IN MY EYES!


    • Spiritual Poet gold member
      January 29, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you my friend for your kind comments. Yes freedom is worth fighting for and even dying for. I just wish there werent so many people out there that desire to stamp out freedom thus making wars necessary in the first place. And yes they are heroes. I know since i work among them every day! God bless you, Mark

  • Frogzter gold member
    January 29, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    War wreaks havoc on the family for sure. This is a wonderful tribute to all those who have lost family members and have suffered the many detrimental effects of war. Those of us at home have no idea of the daily hell these soldiers and there families are subjected to. Thanks for the reminder! Warm thoughts and well wishes, Frogz~

    • Spiritual Poet gold member
      January 29, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Thanks Frogz for the kind comments. I live and work among those who serve our country here in the middle east. I am aware all the time that some of them may go into the war zone and I wont see them again on this earth.

  • Nanette
    January 29, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    Brilliant!!

    Oh wow, this is truly asstounding!!  I loved this, this just strikes me as something that should go around in e-mails and books and whatever else that creates more awareness.  I am touched by your words and the sense of loss and sadness it creates.  This is truly a remarkable poem and tribute to all the loss that has been suffered because of war. 

    I applaud you for this absolutely touching write!!!  Well done!!!


    • Spiritual Poet gold member
      January 29, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Thanks Nanette for your over the top praise. My writing is simple and not really that awesome but it is how I feel about things. I am so glad you enjoyed this piece. God bless you, Mark

  • Airborne Ed silver member
    January 28, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    So many never know what soldiers or their families go through each and every day they are deployed. Your poem strikes at the heart with such truth of the pain they endure.

    I am also a soldier and been deployed overseas, and have seen the crimes of war, and my family still deals with each deployment and the changes in me once I return and they also still fear I shall not return after my next deployment.

    Thank you so much for writting this incredable poem. If your interested I have a list on my page of military poems.


    • Spiritual Poet gold member
      January 29, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Yes Passionate Knight, I am a military man through and through but I hate war and wish it wasnt necessary but I dont see mankind changing anytime soon
  • Gogetalife
    January 28, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Wow my dear spiritual poet, this was so touching..I agree with you in all what you described in this piece..I loved your author comment..so that people won't get you wrong..great job indeed..I am glad to see new words coming out
    AJ


    • Spiritual Poet gold member
      January 29, 2007
      Edit | Reply

      Thanks

      Thanks AJ, you have always been a faithful supporter of me even though my writing is on and off. I am glad you liked my piece. I am not sure exactly what inspired it. It is how I feel though.
1 - 49 of 49