Dec 2013
Only the dead have seen the end of war
Those that cross over to heavens eternal shore
Only the dead have seen the end of strife
And those that live on, live balanced on the knife
Only the dead can truly be at peace
In this world where the death will never cease
Only the dead can claim true victory
As death has brought an end to their story
Are not we all soldiers
In this war we wage with time?
Around us the whole Earth smolders
Yet we ever hold the line.
Those that cross over to heavens eternal shore
Only the dead have seen the end of strife
And those that live on, live balanced on the knife
Only the dead can truly be at peace
In this world where the death will never cease
Only the dead can claim true victory
As death has brought an end to their story
Are not we all soldiers
In this war we wage with time?
Around us the whole Earth smolders
Yet we ever hold the line.
This poem was inspired by a quote from Plato (it's the first line) I spent some time thinking about it, and I found it's meaning to be multifaceted.
First, it's a statement on war specifically, but also on all human conflict. I believe this quote to be stating that man kind will never achieve world peace.
Second, to "see the end" of something means to fully understand the effects and consequences of something. And since the most notable consequence of war is death, only those who have died have experienced it's full measure.
I hope you have enjoyed the poem, and thank you for reading this unreasonably long note.
First, it's a statement on war specifically, but also on all human conflict. I believe this quote to be stating that man kind will never achieve world peace.
Second, to "see the end" of something means to fully understand the effects and consequences of something. And since the most notable consequence of war is death, only those who have died have experienced it's full measure.
I hope you have enjoyed the poem, and thank you for reading this unreasonably long note.
(Minnesota)
Please log in to view and add comments on poems
