He was the first to aid the wounded,
the first to help the thirsty,
the first in the convoys that carried
what remained of humanity out of the ashes.
And then they imprisoned him—because he refused
to turn his hands into weapons.
Five years of captivity,
five years of blows,
five years of attempts
to break what was
most human within him.
To destroy his gentle spirit.
Let go the young men who
see a human being in the enemy, not a target—
not a target for the kill.
Let go those bearers of light from the darkness:
they already live in a world without drones,
without shells, without a contest of death.
They are the blossoms of a future civilization
that today’s world, blinded by the might and roar of weapons,
cannot even imagine.
-
Author:
Lily of the valley (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: October 7th, 2026 12:21
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 19
- In collections: Chiaroscuro.
Offline)
Comments3
There is sadness in this poem Durdica one thinks that one would fight for freedom but those that value peace above all should not be deprived of their freedom the same one that is being fought for. A lovely write
Yes, I agree. Exactly as you put it.
Spot on. A smooth undeniable argument presented in rich poetry. I felt my spirit rise as I read this, as the constant glorification or at the very least the acceptance of war arouses anger and depression equally.
In no sense competition (our styles are very different), I would like to present to you an old effort of mine on the same topic:
https://mypoeticside.com/show-poem-143343
I'm glad to hear like-minded people. Thanks for the link - I will carefully read your poem.
I have read your poem. Thanks a lot. Yes, those who resort to conscientious objection are true heroes, bearing the scorn of a popular culture that incites war. You have beautifully highlighted the absurdity of such logic, especially in the stanzas:
Then who are heroes with no wish to maim?
Conscientious objectors loathe the shrill
Veneration of war; this not their game,
Nor is it their wish to go out and kill.
Reviled, imprisoned, the conchie baffles
Many with dogma that glorifies war,
Who churn and regurgitate won battles -
Gung ho insanity all should abhor.
Many thanks for giving that piece your time, It is one I feel reasonably proud of.
Powerful work. Vivid and sharp.
Thanks a lot.
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