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War Poetry
[Editor's Note: This is another installment in our ongoing Saturday morning series examining and exploring the powerful relationship between Art and Politics.]
John Stallworthy in his book, The Oxford Book Of War Poetry (1984), gives this richly evocative description of war poetry:
"'POETRY', Wordsworth reminds us, 'is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings', and there can be no area of human experience that has generated a wider range of powerful feelings than war: hope and fear; exhilaration and humiliation; hatred – not only for the enemy, but also for generals, politicians, and war-profiteers; love – for fellow soldiers, for women and children left behind, for country (often) and cause (occasionally)." (p.xix)
That's true enough, but I think Stallworthy leaves out an important point when he discusses the raison d'etre behind war poetry: the inhumanity of war's very nature. Moreover, I think that it is the only time in our existence as human beings among our civilised peers where inhumanity is not only accepted, it is embraced, cheered, emulated and eulogized.
Imagine what happens in the human psyche and to the human soul, when the social and spiritual teachings of a lifetime are forcebly jolted, beaten, or seduced out of one, for what has been purported to be a higher purpose of mankind. That higher purpose of mankind, that noble cause, is now killing other human beings, wherein just a flash of memory before, our highest purpose was to cherish and cradle life.
It is here we find the intersection of Art and Politics this week, and we find the subject of War Poetry. I am going to list a few poems that have affected me deeply, and I would encourage all of you to do the same in the comments section.
Wilfred Owen (1893-1918)"Dulce et Decorum Est "
Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs
And towards our distant rest began to trudge.
Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots
But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;
Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots
Of tired, outstripped Five-Nines that dropped behind.
Gas! GAS! Quick, boys! -- An ecstasy of fumbling,Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time;
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling
And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime . . .
Dim, through the misty panes and thick green light,
As under I green sea, I saw him drowning.
In all my dreams, before my helpless sight, He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.
If in some smothering dreams you too could paceBehind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin;
If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,
Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, --
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old lie: Dulce et decorum est
Pro patria mori.
Wilfred Gibson (1878-1962)"Back"
They ask me where I've been,And what I've done and seen.
But what can I reply
Who know it wasn't I,
But someone just like me,
Who went across the sea
And with my head and hands
Killed men in foreign lands...
Though I must bear the blame,
Because he bore my name.
Carly Sheehan
A Nation Rocked To Sleep
Have you ever heard the sound of a mother screaming for her son? The torrential rains of a mother's weeping will never be done They call him a hero, you should be glad that he's one, but Have you ever heard the sound of a mother screaming for her son?
Have you ever heard the sound of a father holding back his cries? He must be brave because his boy died for another man's lies The only grief he allows himself are long, deep sighs Have you ever heard the sound of a father holding back his cries?
Have you ever heard the sound of taps played at your brother's grave? They say that he died so that the flag will continue to wave But I believe he died because they had oil to save Have you ever heard the sound of taps played at your brother's grave?
Have you ever heard the sound of a nation being rocked to sleep? The leaders want to keep you numb so the pain won't be so deep But if we the people let them continue another mother will weep Have you ever heard the sound of a nation being rocked to sleep?
While I am sure it is too much to hope that by shining a brighter light on War Poetry, there will be less wars in this world, that grim reality, nor the grim reality reflected in this small sample of the medium, does not in any way lessen our need or our moral duty to read them and examine them and explore them and most of all, feel them.
Perhaps just the opposite.
[Endnote from the Editor: The DCP would like to present a range of ideas on this topic. To that end we ask for your participation. If you come across something that would fit here, please send it to casey@democracycellproject.net. You can submit a blurb with it or not. If we publish it, we will be sure to give you credit for submission. Thank you. ]
Thanks Casey, I remember the unit I studied on War Poetry in college...WWI (Wilfred Owen era) was especially jarring because many of the soldiers were schoolboys from cultured England and France ... cultured backgrounds ... they were completely unprepared for the inhumanity, brutality, and facelessness of war.
Much the same happened in WWII, especially in connection with the "psy-ops" of destroying beloved architectural works of genius (cathedrals etc) in Germany and England.
There's a history of good reflective war-inspired music too. Benjamin Britten's "War Requiem" (incorporating poetry from Wilfred Owen) is a very moving piece...
Unfortunately I think today's soldiers, for the most part, are more inured to the brutality, facelessness, and inhumanity of war. I've read too many articles where new recruits were asked, "Aren't you worried you'll die in Iraq?" and they respond, "Yes, but it's a lot more dangerous here at home"...they live in ghetto/inner-city locales where drive-bys, gang shootings, homicides, suicides, overdoses, nasty car wrecks, etc. are everyday occurrences. Heck, where I live it's like that.
It's a scary and sad reflection on our nation that our young people might be safer in Iraq than at home. Now that's worthy of a poem...or a rap.
The Sunrise Report (sort of) from Crawford, Texas
We lost out internet(s) yesterday and service has been sporatic at best...the IT team at Camp Casey II think (know) we are being hacked.
Hot! Hot! Hot!
Temperatures reached well above 105 degrees F with similar, if not hotter temps expected for today.
I will attempt ti finish this report (as I have written it many times and been dropped from the Wi-Fi) in parts as I can access the service.
More...
See Bush scab - looks like Iraq
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/8/26/19515/1490
Quick action:
SUPPORT THE RESOLUTION OF INQUIRY TO INVESTIGATE IRAQ WAR PLANNING
You called for an investigation of the Downing Street minutes, the first direct evidence that "the intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy". Now House Representative Barbara Lee is standing up with already 50 co-sponsors, including at least one Republican, to demand that the administration deliver to Congress evidence of all communications with the British government that caused them to reach this conclusion in their own minds. Please ask your own house member to vote FOR this Resolution of Inquiry (H.R. 375) and join in sponsoring it if they have not signed on already.
http://www.usalone.com/hr375.htm
--Thanks for the poetry. I'm reading bio of Edna St. Vincent Millay right now - got intrigued when listening on Canadian radio.
See Bush scab - looks like Iraq
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/8/26/19515/1490
Posted by: not my president at August 27, 2005 12:16 PM
Funniest thing I have seen in ages!!! ROFLMAO!!! (Only from you, Not My President.)
Crawford Part DUH!
Everone should thank the Counter Protestors and Bush supporters...no really...they are to be commended.
In their desperate and vile behavior, bomb threats, threats of violence and hostilities have created an very interesting atmosphere indeed...
Not only have the camp leaders repented thier evil self-defeatest ways...the security teams have broken new diplomatic ground.
The Secret Service and the protest Security teams have met to coordinate keeping the protest peaceful.
The SS officers have started to warm up to our movement and have even admitted that they "hate having to guard the Bastard"...that is a direct quote. If the people who are tasked with guarding the President have had enough, than it looks like the Chimperor and Thief is coming to the end of his reign.
Two buses have just arrived carrying protestors from Austin and Dallas...several hundred more are expected from all parts of Texas.
Lokken has been asked to walk a perimeter patrol every half hour when the BushSupporters arrive for thier counter-protest. Be it known that Lokken has doneher patriotic duty...dooty even...inthe ditch across the street from Camp Casey where the Bush Supporters will be gathering...heh heh heh.
Let them eat poop!
Cindy has received many death threats and both Camp Casey I and Camp Casey II have been probed by the counter-protestors.
The CP (counter-protestors) have also leased the high school football stadium down the street from the peace house as a staging ground for their agressive showing.
...More>>>
Crawford Part DUH!
Everone should thank the Counter Protestors and Bush supporters...no really...they are to be commended.
In their desperate and vile behavior, bomb threats, threats of violence and hostilities have created an very interesting atmosphere indeed...
Not only have the camp leaders repented thier evil self-defeatest ways...the security teams have broken new diplomatic ground.
The Secret Service and the protest Security teams have met to coordinate keeping the protest peaceful.
The SS officers have started to warm up to our movement and have even admitted that they "hate having to guard the Bastard"...that is a direct quote. If the people who are tasked with guarding the President have had enough, than it looks like the Chimperor and Thief is coming to the end of his reign.
Two buses have just arrived carrying protestors from Austin and Dallas...several hundred more are expected from all parts of Texas.
Lokken has been asked to walk a perimeter patrol every half hour when the BushSupporters arrive for thier counter-protest. Be it known that Lokken has doneher patriotic duty...dooty even...inthe ditch across the street from Camp Casey where the Bush Supporters will be gathering...heh heh heh.
Let them eat poop!
Cindy has received many death threats and both Camp Casey I and Camp Casey II have been probed by the counter-protestors.
The CP (counter-protestors) have also leased the high school football stadium down the street from the peace house as a staging ground for their agressive showing.
...More>>>
Crawford Update
Madame Defarge is in Crawford, at Camp Casey. She briefly reported in from their "Arlington West", at the crosses erected in memory of each U.S. soldier killed in Iraq.
As Indy reported, they have no internet access today.
Our Defarge was overwhelmed with emotion as she placed the name of a soldier on a cross in his memory. In between sobs, she said "THIS IS SO WORTH IT". "THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE, - THE PEACE THAT IS HERE AT CAMP CASEY, THE LOVE....."
She will have one special story to share with us.
Indy...Im sooooo dam* glad you are on OUR SIDE!!!
love ya bro ;) doc and sun
Hugo Chavez is offering cheap heating and petroleum fuel directly to poor and impoverished regions of the US....This is after Pat Robertson states the US should assasinate him...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/venezuela/story/0,12716,1555970,00.html
(I hope the link took)
President Hugo Chavez took the high road and acts to help people the White House has forgotten about.
This is how a World leader Behaves.
Crawford, Texas...The Center of the Universe
All media outlets have converged on Crawford. Yours truly must apoligize for the false reporting of Bill Moyers being here last night...it was Bill Maurer so look for the re-airing on cable of his interview with Cindy.
Bad word spreads fast, so your humble observer and participant has tried to enact the BS filter and head straight to the source from now on...the volunteers who are on site.
Helicopters are circling and reporters are trying to report the truth...
I spoke with an annonymous source from ABC News who I met last week. He was notably humble and ashamed when he told me, "Man, we don't report the news anymore...our producers in New York are controlling what we can air...its disgusting...and those of the press corps who want to report and investigate the news have their hands tied."
"Our 'investigative ' reporter Brian Ross sure knows how to tell three sides of the story...(big grin)"
Camp Casey two is quickly filling up with protestors...more buses are arriving...the atmosphere is festive as many are circulating and mingling. Smiles and happy Americans are everywhere as we roll into the final weekend of this momentous movement.
This IS history in the making folks...
Vive la Revolution!
Indy for America in Crawford.
Peace.
If anyoone talks to Marianne or Native, please have them come to the center back side of Camp Casey II underneath the IVAW banner in the big tent!
Thanks! =]
Indy...Im sooooo dam* glad you are on OUR SIDE!!!
Posted by: pcdoc at August 27, 2005 12:44 PM
We have an Indy and a Cindy... any questions?
Two, of a Kind.
CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) -- President Bush on Saturday asked Americans to be patient with the U.S. military mission in Iraq, a request issued as less than half of those polled supported his war policy and protesters planned a weekend of boisterous anti-war rallies in his tiny hometown.
"Iraqis are working together to build a free nation that contributes to peace and stability in the region, and we will help them succeed," Bush said in his weekly radio address.
He gave no sign of dismay at serious snags in Iraq's democratic process.
Constitution birth pains
In Baghdad, majority Shiites and minority Sunni Arabs remained at odds over the draft constitution. The Shiite-dominated constitution committee planned to submit an amended draft to Iraq's parliament this weekend. Sunnis, unimpressed with a compromise offer, submitted counterproposals and planned to meet with the U.S. ambassador.
One Sunni negotiator, Saleh al-Mutlaq, called on Iraqis to reject the draft constitution in an October 15 referendum.
In his radio address, Bush expressed only confidence that the problems would be overcome, saying a new democratic constitution "will be a landmark event" in the Mideast.
"Like our own nation's founders over two centuries ago, the Iraqis are grappling with difficult issues, such as the role of the federal government," he said. "What is important is that Iraqis are now addressing these issues through debate and discussion -- not at the barrel of a gun."
Posted by: monkey at August 27, 2005 02:21 PM
Um....no gun?
Just shrapnel...a few bombs here and there...just ignore the limbs blown 50 feet away from the original body they belonged too...
Madame is sitting right next to me...
Jealous Monkey?
BAD MONKEY!
Time to sprout your wings and FLY!!!
There is still time!
Love you...and bring bananas and beer!
Posted by: Indy at August 27, 2005 03:42 PM
Ya don't need me... Phony Acres is chock full o' banana's... and beer.
(F)Lying Monkey
madame defarge here (using Indy's computer!)...
The positive peaceful energy that's here is amazing. Over 2000 people reported to be here. Good Austin music on now -- Texas BBQ style.
There's so much to say about what it's like to be here among so many people who want to end this mess of a war we're in...and I'm speechless. Go figure.
P.S. There's a secret service car parked about 100 feet from me right now... Keeping an eye on Indy, no doubt!
P.P.S. Indy & Lokken are both cuties.
P.P.P.S. It's hotter than hell...
P.P.P.S. It's hotter than hell...
Posted by: Indy at August 27, 2005 03:52 PM
When in Rome...
I enjoyed Cindy on Maher's. She was on message, as always, that this war was based on fixed intelligence, not allowing the Downing Street memo to fade away. When asked about going over Bush's head to Cheney and Rumsfeld, she said she already had by going directly to the people.
Such a mobilizing moment. Wish I could be there, but I will be in DC. the 24th.
Interesting you mention Brian Ross. Was that 'all sides' as a slight? I took special interest after he came to our apt. with a friend for Thanksgiving Dinner in '78. I have watched over the years, and he isn't what he once was. So many aren't, and I know they once wanted more integrity and grit out of their profession.
S0me kids are on stage now speaking about peace...
From a 10 yr old boy: "It's time for a new president!"
A little girl is now singing a song of peace to us...
They're the reason we're doing this...for the children of America...for the children of the world...
madame defarge
S0me kids are on stage now speaking about peace...
From a 10 yr old boy: "It's time for a new president!"
A little girl is now singing a song of peace to us...
They're the reason we're doing this...for the children of America...for the children of the world...
madame defarge
Uh oh the secret service just took our photo...
We smiled... :)
Thank you both for being there. Never thought we would need another 60's war protest.
You cannot believe the comaradirie, the caring here. It's just amazing how friendly everyone is... There are no strangers here. Only friends.
Saif, 3rd year medical intern from Chicago (YEAH!) to be camp doctor just stopped by. He's an Indy Intern... You can only imagine the tricks Indy is teaching him! (I heard something about "ladies"...)
Oh, BTW, Saif is a Muslim. He's here sharing the love & care with people of all faiths.
Indy's here sharing the love & care with all the ladies. ;)
Indy and madame,
Glad you're down there and even managed to find each other.
Thanks for keeping us posted.
Well over 2000 people!!!
That is at Camp Casey II alone...
James McMurtrey playing "We can't make it here any more" his riviting song about the current state of the Nation...the REAL state of the Nation.
Indy and Madame,
Are you on a cell-card computer? How are you able to blog?
It's nice to read directly from Crawford! I got stuck at the mall with eyes dilated by the optometrist and had to walk around the mall looking like a middle-aged junkie. I forgot that I wouldn't be able to drive my car so killed time getting a haircut. The only stylist taking drop-ins turned out to be the coolest guy in the salon & to have gone to University of South Dakota in Mass Communications, like my husband. The last day he left Sioux Falls, SD to move out here, car all packed, he encountered a Reverend Phelps "God Hates Fags" rally, complete with children holding signs with stick figures depicting sodomy. He lost it, jumped out of his car and screamed at them. The police then made them stop. The deal had been that they could stay on the very public street corner until a citizen complained. Five hours had passed and no citizen in Sioux Falls, South Dakota had said a word.
This guy (Kyle) and I have both moved here to get away from this mentality. University of South Dakota is my Alma Mater too. We are proud of McGovern, Tom Brokaw, Daeschle, our homesteading ancestors and any renegades we went to school with in that dark environment (most of which have now left, to escape). We were musing about how people there, most of whom don't have money, can continually vote against being able to organize their labor, sue unscrupulous doctors or have decent healthcare and education.
It's a small world. I wish we were all in Crawford but I guess we sort of are. There is an international workshop on "The Image" that is meeting in rural France, with young people from all over the world. They just sent some political imagery & also said to wish Camp Casey the best. Many are Europeans but there are also some from US and from Africa.
Oh! When I was getting coffee, I got 3 dollar bills upon which had been written "AWOL. Do Not Serve in Iraq." I wrote same on my bill when I left my tip.
Posted by: sparrow at August 27, 2005 05:06 PM
For the curious...James, the brilliant (who drove 18 hours from Florida straight through to get back here) has installed a Wi-Fi network using a satellite uplink...a donated satellite uplink...heh heh heh.
Madame is trying to cool down...not from the temperature...Activism makes her HOT...or is it just me? Ha ha ha ha!
Indy
Ya don't need me... Phony Acres is chock full o' banana's... and beer.
(F)Lying Monkey
Posted by: monkey at August 27, 2005 03:51 PM
.....and nuts.
Indy, Madame, NT4K...
How many pro-war protesters are there? AND are the recruiters there too?
I hope it's stll peaceful there.
Indy!
re the wifi, a techie can always get around every obstacle and I would be the more creative ones are on the peace side
Sitting in a hotel lobby, watching the news--it's mostly Katrina, but also a quick view of Camp Casey--the numbers they are reporting are
At the Bat Mitzvah this morning, I said prayers for peace and effectiveness in Crawford. Sent calm, clear messages to you all--eye on the prize and don't let the assholes get to you.
And Indy--your experience with the law enforcers has been mine in DC as well. George does not garner much respect, and we who speak truth to power get more respect than we know.
Listening to the radio address from this morning, Bush sounds staccato and insincere, as he often does when he needs to get the sound bites out there. Has there ever been a voice so disconnected from the heart of a man?
Godspeed, all.