Decades of Dishonour,
We stick a poppy in our coats,
then tell stories of the brave.
Might as well have cut their throats,
if it’s murder that we crave.
I watch this human charade,
all with medals on their chest.
A bloody claim so falsely made,
might as well wear a string vest.
None of those celebrating were keen,
to stand entrenched with the men.
How different it might have been,
if we could visit hell again.
Would we pick up the chalice,
swear to defend their royal arses.
Murder our fellow man with malice,
as in one of their slick farces.
I sincerely hope we’ve learned,
not to follow orders blindly.
And that everything we’ve earned,
from them was never given kindly.
If there’s one thing they’ve proved,
is they’d rather see us cowed.
The establishment hasn’t moved,
they’ve no right to stand so proud.
Comments
Roscoe
You have brought to the front (Not the Western one) the hypocrisy of our leaders or so called leaders, how they strut over the graves of the brave men that died and seem to try and convince us that it was their doing.
Choices back then, buy a commission, receive four white feathers, unless you were in the government or rich enough, go to war come what may or be shot, either by the enemy, or at daybreak away from everyone as a traitor.
There was no choice for the majority in those days, wake up my Uncle he sleeps under a stone in Jerusalem tell him that the war to end all wars is over..
Good write there I hear more of wars today than when I was a child, my Father and his four brothers fought in the 14-18 war, bless them all for being either so tolerant..
Take care out there, Ypurs Ian.T
Thank you Ian,
Thank you Ian to many good men lost in silly wars, and then we get the high and mighty once a year dressing up for a day out. Regards Roscoe..
Roscoe
Very well stated It looks like governments are pretty much the same no matter the country.
I have always enjoyed reading your work
First read I am not seeing anything I would add or suggest
Thank you Chrys,
Thank you Chrys, and yes most leaders of countries are happy to send people to die on their behalf. If they had to go with the people i wonder how keen they would be then. Regards Roscoe...
Roscoe
I will agree with both of our visiting friends here. A good write indeed.
Alid
Thank you Alid,
Thank you Alid, i'm glad you enjoyed this poem. Regards Roscoe...
Roscoe
You have focused on the irony both in your poem and its title.
in L2 S5 did you mean "order" as the commemorative medallions and/or insignia? If so, you may want to change "order" to "Order". Just a wee bit of a suggestion.
Regards,
Like raj I was interested in which particular
award/event this poem referred to. The Queens honour list perhaps? Not that it detracts from the power of the poem.
Maybe the last line could be stronger, with poetic form added something to the effect of "they're a bunch of parasitic cunts", perhaps.
Love the work.
lo jess
Roscoe this is very powerful - vitriolic, almost
well written
I think the rhythm could do with some attention - imo, if it was more to a classical meter, it would be even more powerful
great write
love judy
xxx
Thank you,
Thank you judy for your time and comment, Love Roscoe...
Yes, this is powerful and so
Yes, this is powerful and so well written, Bravo.
joe