Visible hate object
Modern disease
In tribal hierarchy
Called nationalism.
As if
Draping flag
Buys dispensation
For murder genocide
And other crimes.
Territorially marking
Claimed land
By sewn cloth-ribbons.
Unlike animals
Using urine
Or musk glands.
Sigh.
Extended families staring
Ruined village
Blank eyes seeing
Yet not.
Stunned survivors
Search rumble
For memories
From destroyed past.
Dead become martyrs
Teaching another generation
Hate.
Sighing sadly.
Citizenship ceremony
Long journey end
For refugees and immigrants
To new land.
Opportunity-fresh starts awaiting
Building on hope and faith
Leaving troubles behind
Of a brighter future
And prosperity.
Waving paper flags
New citizens blinded
Exploding camera flashes
Broad grins
Family and friends.
“Attention!”
Mourners gather
Round grieving family
Openly weeping
Closed draped casket.
Hidden war casualty
PTSD suicide
Daemons won
Total system failure.
Honour guards
Rifles ready
Volleys fired
Slain soldier memory.
Commanding officer
Hands folded flag
With crisp salute
To family.
Therisa © 2018
Author's note: This is my third attempt at writing this poem. Abandoning earlier versions,
as being too much male bashing and hateful for what I wanted.
as being too much male bashing and hateful for what I wanted.
And yes, there is only one poem, this week.
Written for Poets United’s midweek motif writing prompt: national flag(s).
9 comments:
Your poem is a comprehensive look at our current reality, Therisa. My friend has told me - since I have been so discouraged by the political scene - to hold the vision of the world I want and put that out into the universe. She believes the transformation of consciousness will occur - not incrementally, but triggered by a disastrous event which will force us to make the leap. Humans seem to learn slowly.
Thank you, Therisa. I applaud the patience to revise, especially when you come up with lines and comparisons like these:
"Territorially marking
Claimed land
By sewn cloth-ribbons.
Unlike animals
Using urine
Or musk glands."
Gosh. An amazing poem. And the song is new to me . . . these are not mistakes, but "blurred vision." BTW: My family has one of those boxed triangular flags for a dear aunt who served as a nurse in WW2.
"Dead become martyrs
Teaching another generation
Hate."...This is a vicious circle and this world is caught in it. And there's no way out because politicos don't want a way out. Sigh.
You worked on it well! (I had to do a lot of reworking of mine, too.)
Love that you used Midnight Oil!
Sigh. This is all that nationalism has brought us to — divided, disillusioned, caught in those ideals of death for the nation. And we keep on doing it, passing it down the generations. It's of course not different from animal piss to demarcate for control and power.
Powerful and portraying it as it is in a rather melancholic tone. So well-penned.
Honestly, I don't think there's ever too much male bashing - it all needs to be said.
-HA
"Unlike animals
Using urine
Or musk glands.
Sigh."
Flags are indeed our territorial symbols. Interesting debate. Thanks for sharing the video too
much love...
There is hate and distrust the world over Therisa, given validation under nationalism or whatever label suits the cause. It is a sad thing and I worry for the future of this world in which we reside...
Anna :o]
Great poem, Therisa. Amazing how quickly one can learn to hate.
I hear the sighs throughput this poem depicting harsh reality. Beautifully done.
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