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O' What Is War But the Mad Child of Greed and Hate

O' What Is War But The Mad Child Of Greed And Hate By uppity arrogance the mouse challenges the lion And his haughty crown is fused nickel and tin But 'tis true dark-clad world has far too much cryin' All brought about by hungry appetites of mad men. Mankind does not admit arrogance of the womb. Truth of utter despair of lying in a tomb. O' what is war but the mad child of greed and hate Armies march blindly into destruction and death But crazy leaders love to foolishly tempt dark Fate As they parade puffed up and plan with whispered breath. Mankind does not admit arrogance of the womb. Truth of utter despair of lying in a tomb. History shows its results, tragic dark dying And the abject misery needlessly born With those at home fearful and hearing the lying From government and politicians we should scorn! Mankind does not admit arrogance of the womb. Truth of utter despair of lying in a tomb. Such bitter conflict indeed does some heroes show And we here at home do acknowledge their brave deeds We poets may even polish them til they glow Sad, all that does is fertilize war's future seeds! Mankind does not admit arrogance of the womb. Truth of utter despair of lying in a tomb. Is it true, war is fruits of arrogance and pride That mankind has dark-set violence born within Sure, such blatant truth we in vain so try to hide Dare we not admit, that it is a tragic sin! Mankind does not admit arrogance of the womb. Truth of utter despair of lying in a tomb. Robert J. Lindley, Rhyme June 3rd 1973 Note: 9-12-2023 Vietnam War is the reason this poem is composed. Our guys coming back either dead or else so gravely wounded. Note: 6-03-1973 I turned 19 this year. I'd rather not be drafted to fight a war that is not fought to win. Besides war is evil.

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Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 9/14/2023 1:23:00 PM

Well composed, Robert. Your poem echoes my feelings, perhaps because I grew up in the 60s protesting the war among other things. Your sonnet brings to mind Edwin Starr's song, "War. What is it good for?...Absolutely Nothing." Am 'faving' this poem. Enjoy your evening.

Robert Lindley
Date: 9/14/2023 5:33:00 PM

Thank you, my friend. And especially thanks for the fav. Mankind is doomed to always war as his soul is dark as it is absent the Light from God. God bless you...

Charmaine Chircop

Date: 9/12/2023 3:16:00 PM

1973-the ugliness ,and arrogance of people in power creating wars.. 2024-the ugliness,and arrogance of people in power creating wars... Persists... and nothing changed...and we learned nothing. How sad and true your verses were and are today..So much to reflect about.A great poem.

Robert Lindley
Date: 9/14/2023 5:31:00 PM

Thank you, my friend. Yes, nothing good about war but loads of very, very bad . God bless you..

Christina Bowring

Date: 9/12/2023 11:45:00 AM

This is such a powerful poem my dear friend. So marvellously written as always with perfect rhyme. The repeating couplets really enhance the poem. Yet again, it is incredible to think that you were writing such high quality poems with great impact, meaning, at such a young, tender age. Such immense maturity and understanding at that age. I salute you my talented, poetic friend. God bless.

Robert Lindley
Date: 9/14/2023 5:30:00 PM

Thank you, my friend. Ao much destruction and loss of lives. PEOPLE CRIPPLED FOR LIFE! One hundred percent a destructive tragedy. God bless you.

Hiya Sharma

Date: 9/12/2023 10:58:00 AM

Indeed, war is a tragic sin! Sigh, such a heart-aching and poignant write this is that expresses sorrowful situations, danger and destructions that wars come forth with. A heartbreaking scenario has been painted with your words.. There's a huge loss of life and humanity, which we lose in the greed of mere capitals and materialistic things. "Mankind does not admit arrogance of the womb" Repetition of that line reflects so much depth.. Nobody is a born rebel or an evil.. A very heartfelt write..

Robert Lindley
Date: 9/14/2023 5:27:00 PM

Thank you, my good friend. Yes, it is as you stated a most tragic sin. And ruins so many lives. God bless you.

Lin Lane

Date: 9/12/2023 8:53:00 AM

Like angry children who don’t get their way. If war is fruit it’s all rotten

Robert Lindley
Date: 9/14/2023 5:26:00 PM

Thank you, my good friend. Yes, everything about war is totally rotten to the filthy core. Tragic death and destruction on an epic scale. God bless you.