The Price of Peace - Writers Forum

**Penelope** · 02-12-2006, 06:17 AM

I think a lot about Peace, in an objective manner,
and wonder why I won’t march under that banner.
There have been times I’ve been inclined to protest
rampant injustice against those who aren’t blessed.

To be a martyr and barter one’s life against force
is to surrender to those who’ll feel no remorse
because they don’t understand a pacifist’s course.
They’re never going to dismount their high horse.

There will always be ham hawks and mad dogs of war
who’ll seize what they want and then look for more.
Corpses are carrion on which buzzards will feed
and even proud eagles are subjective to greed.

Don’t give up the ghost when you know what is right
for comrades need ardent souls shining bright
over those who tread softly off into the night.
If you’ll die for a cause, then be ready to fight.

Our mortal coil is to voice unalienable gripes.
There’s no stripping spots nor shifting stripes.
We are what we are, have faith and believe
when it comes to war, there’ll be no reprieve*
no matter how many wear white on their sleeve.

PFA
11/02/06

Author's Note:

Written with respect to the rights for differing opinions.

Psycho6058 · 02-12-2006, 06:37 AM

Good flow, nicely structured and well written. Personally I think it's worth the price. I agree with Phil ochs"

I Ain't Marching Anymore
By Phil Ochs

Oh I marched to the battle of New Orleans
At the end of the early British war
The young land started growing
The young blood started flowing
But I ain't marchin' anymore

For I've killed my share of Indians
In a thousand different fights
I was there at the Little Big Horn
I heard many men lying
I saw many more dying
But I ain't marchin' anymore

It's always the old to lead us to the war
It's always the young to fall
Now look at all we've won with the sabre and the gun
Tell me is it worth it all

For I stole California from the Mexican land
Fought in the bloody Civil War
Yes I even killed my brother
And so many others
And I ain't marchin' anymore

For I marched to the battles of the German trench
In a war that was bound to end all wars
Oh I must have killed a million men
And now they want me back again
But I ain't marchin' anymore

(chorus)

For I flew the final mission in the Japanese sky
Set off the mighty mushroom roar
When I saw the cities burning
I knew that I was learning
That I ain't marchin' anymore

Now the labor leader's screamin' when they close the missile plants,
United Fruit screams at the Cuban shore,
Call it "Peace" or call it "Treason,"
Call it "Love" or call it "Reason,"
But I ain't marchin' any more.

**Penelope** · 02-12-2006, 08:11 AM

I think the message is similar .. both state that there is a part to play. What I read into Phil's is that there was a lot of 'marching' off to 'war' going on. I especially like the irony of the last verse of Phil's.

J.R. MacLean · 02-12-2006, 09:59 AM

thoughtful and well crafted. Would 'subjected' be better than 'subjective'? I would like to study those rare periods in history where cultures have thrived for hundreds of years without any war. cheers

All That Jazz · 02-12-2006, 10:29 AM

Well-crafted, I must say; your rhyme flowed well, and the content was rather pleasant to the eyes (and, I'd imagine, the ears). I didn't notice any major mistakes in my perusal, so that earns you points.

Great job! I hope to read more from you soon.

**Penelope** · 02-12-2006, 10:32 AM

While subjective is slightly askew, I'm going to leave it as is. Not too sure why but I like it. Perhaps cultures have thrived in peace but has there been a time in the world when there were no conflicts? Our world keeps getting smaller and the chances of mutual harmony in our time are remote. Thanks for popping by.

**Penelope** · 02-12-2006, 10:34 AM

Hey - All That Jazz - (great handle) thanks for reading and commenting.

mjk · 02-12-2006, 02:32 PM

very thought provoking message you've got here, and of course written in a beautiful and articulate way. thanks for giving me something to chew on and another wonderful read.

**Penelope** · 02-12-2006, 06:26 PM

MJ - In my circles of comrades there are many pacifists who don't understand my point of view at all. I've always felt this way and wondered why. I'm no war monger but haven't walked away from a challenge either. I admire those who can find a resolution without bloodshed but they seem so far and few between. I'm glad this gave you something to think about.