Comment from Jarlsbane

Excellent

Striking poem and thought provoking. I am a little torn over this one as I do believe that there is such a thing as a just war. - one that God would ordain and sanction. Freeing slaves I think would fall under that heading as God nearly destroyed Egypt to free his people enslaved there. I know you are pointing out the destruction of homes and businesses of a civilian population but you point out in your author notes that it was done to eliminate the South's ability and will to wage war- both are legitimate war-time goals. The fact the troops sang a hymm on their march to the sea afterwards should not incriminate their actions nor the actions of a just and righteous God. Brooke your poem is very well written and a joy to read. Miss me yet? lol :)

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 18-Nov-2009

I certainly back the Union cause, but I can never understand how these soldiers would rejoice in seeing their neighbors' homes and lives destroyed. At times it is a necessary evil to use force to do something like free the slaves, but that does not mean one should feel celebratory about such suffering on the part of the inhabitants of Atlanta. It is like when I hear a crowd of people has formed outside a prison where a serial killer is being executed. The guy might be the biggest monster who ever lived, but the thought of people whooping and hollering outside the walls where he is dying scares me and totally puts me off - it makes me wonder how much separates them from the killer. It doesn't mean the guy should be given a parade and a medal - it just means his execution should be met with solemnity. No matter how justified the destruction of the South might have been to reach a righteous goal, I mourn the death of every Southern soldier and the loss of their homes, crops, means of livelihood. I know, I know, I'm a bleeding heart! :-) And yes, I miss you! :-D Brooke

Comment from Mark Nolan

Excellent

War or fighting in any form should be frowned upon as far as Im concerned. Well done for a good read and I just loved the art work.

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 18-Nov-2009

Thank you, Mark, for your perceptive comments. Brooke :-)

Comment from Gaye Hemsley

Excellent

Hi Brooke A most thought provoking poem, very well said and it's amazing how many evils can be done in God's name. LOL Gaye

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 18-Nov-2009

Thank you, Gaye - it is always lovely to hear from you, and yes, it is amazing and sad what so many do in God's name. Brooke

Comment from Robbi Kayser-Stange

Excellent

Yes, and note that usually it is lead by an old man who has forgotten the value of human life and love and brotherhood and followed by young men not yet experienced to have found the value of human life and love and brotherhood. Those of the inbetween years must learn to raise their voices a bit to get these guys attention. Yeah?
And yet here we go again? I guess we need these wars to weed out our young men. No jobs for 'em and too many on the streets could really spell trouble for the guys in Washington.

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 18-Nov-2009

Thank you, Robbi. Your thought provoking comments are all too true - can you imagine what the billions and billions we spend on war could do for meaningful jobs programs? Brooke

Comment from L.lora

Excellent

Ver nicely done Brooke.
Your count is always on
target and your choice of
words is always fitting for
your subject matter. Excellent
lines; reminded me of "Nero
fiddle while Rome burned"
so-- I guess Sherman had
Atlanta. Just the same
I like the way the words
flowed. :)Lora

 Comment Written 17-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 18-Nov-2009

Thank you, Lora - wars are all so connected over the years. I think of the righteousness of "white men" who slaughtered "heathen" native Americans, for instance. Brooke

reply by L.lora on 18-Nov-2009

You know that was suppose to be "very", time for a new keyboard I guess.. some keys keep sticking and I don't seem to see the missing letters till after I post, maybe it's just the eyes, hope it isn't another puter prob. Really enjoyed this poem. Lora

Comment from sara-beth

Excellent

Wow, that is a sobering thought. You did a great job conveying your idea in such a short piece, and that is a great line " a people's ruin fashioned in God's name"..... it pretty much levels all wars to the same load of crap.

 Comment Written 17-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 18-Nov-2009

Thank you, sara-beth, and yep, wars do have that load of crap in common! Brooke

Comment from Annmuma

Excellent

It is indeed a sobering thought. Great work, with a subject so powerful. War between brothers began in the Garden of Eden and seems unstoppable. ann

 Comment Written 17-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 18-Nov-2009

Thank you, Ann, for your insightful comments :-) Brooke

Comment from ersorenson

Excellent

Brooke, this is a different poem for you. I like that it evokes a lot of thoughts and I like the words of the poem a lot. My thoughts unfortunately aren't pleasant. Sherman used the same idea -- and blamed/credited God -- as Hitler. An innate superiority that allows one to not only tolerate killing innocents, but enjoying it. There are so many horrors in the world, I hate to think of them, the holocaust, the cultural revolution, siege of stalinburg, andersonville POW camp, rape of nanjing, my lai, sep 11th, hiroshima, etc. I love your poems.
Eric

 Comment Written 17-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 19-Nov-2009

Thank you, Eric - You are making the same point I am. This is a way of looking at one's cause and one's "enemies" that has spanned the globe and the centuries - as long as we all believe God condones anything and everything for the sake of one's cause, we are doomed to keep repeating such atrocities. Brooke

Comment from Lokman

Excellent

Extremely sobering, yet unfathomably true in some senses. As a cynic, I somethimes wonder if the humanism that is inculcated into war these days, ie, avoiding 'civilian' casualties, is in fact detrimental to warfare.

Sorry for the chilling thought there.
Shea

 Comment Written 17-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 26-Nov-2009

Thank you, Shea - I so apologize for this delayed reply. Brooke

Comment from jason456

Excellent

Brooke,
Oh so true. A sobering and well written poem you have written. It seems that all conflicts in the world (past and present) are over religion (and/or power). I'm sure God is crying over the pain and suffering in His world. What a predicament mankind seems to be in over and over again. I think I may be preaching to the Choir. Great job with this poem.
Patti :)

 Comment Written 16-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 19-Nov-2009

Thank you, Patti - I often think of God's tears over such misguided human behavior and beliefs. Brooke

reply by jason456 on 21-Nov-2009

You are so welcome.
Patti :)