Introduction:

In this literary exploration, we delve into the evocative and poignant world of war poetry, specifically examining the works of D. H. Phoenix. Through the examination of powerful poems such as – “War Child,” “A Bullet’s Life,” and “A Boy’s Story of War” – we confront the harrowing realities of conflict, its impact on individuals caught in its crossfire, and the profound moral dilemmas that war presents. Each poem offers a unique perspective on the complexities of war, from the innocence of a child witnessing unimaginable horrors to the inner struggles of a young soldier grappling with the weight of his actions. The vivid imagery, compelling narrative voices, and thought-provoking themes within these poems invite readers to reflect on the lasting effects of war and the resilience of the human spirit. Join us as we embark on this literary journey, and uncover the raw, emotional, and ultimately transformative power of D. H. Phoenix’s war poetry.

War Child

Introduction:

“War Child” is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that highlights the cruel realities and devastating consequences of war on innocent children. The poem delves into the complexity of human emotions, morality, and the impact of violence on both the victims and the perpetrators. This powerful piece of literature forces the reader to confront the harsh realities of war and question its true purpose.

War Child

Spotted in no man’s land
searching the dead picturing a future junk yard
with him in the middle an everlasting element
something to sell and perhaps something edible
no sell-by date can frighten that old hunger
in this young skinny belly a monster terrified more
I skipped the scope and held the binoculars
I had the best view in the house
to watch him live like a saint and die like a criminal
it was a trigger away from the truth
I held my nerves and bit my orders
to see who this angel could be
so bereft of the very low measures of humanity
no formal introductions, no manly fear
no one to hold on to; all the dear have gone
so blatantly pickpocketing robbed thieves
lying too dead to be said who stole life from whom
like all gathering in a big dark room
their knives so sharpened to hit and miss
for some it may have felt like a kiss
coming from a brother
now the mixed hatred in the blood mudded the soil
what a tree in there may grow
but the boy... has gone...
replaced by men with arms
all pointing at me ready to take
I don’t blame them for I have taken many
but not this time as I say every time so confidently
I fired with all my expertise so quickly
no rock or tree was made to make men hide from me
all lay so dead, as if they were not, as if I were not
we’re already fighting in the underworld
I finally turned toward that little swindler
for a moment a dwindler I could not see
in a war too big for him to understand
nor does he the word collateral casualty
he grew smaller and smaller with time
then his eyes met mine through the scope of death
unafraid like before, he bent down to pick a flower
onto which was stuck dead a butterfly
that at that time interested him more
I froze and felt I was there on that flower
and I could not pull the trigger... I could not.

Paraphrase:

A young child is seen in the battleground, looking for something of value or food among the dead. The old hunger in his frail body is undeniable. The observer watches through binoculars, pondering the child’s fate – living like a saint, yet dying like a criminal. The observer hesitates to shoot, curious about the child’s identity, devoid of any connection to humanity. With no one left to care for him, the child picks the pockets of dead soldiers, their lives stolen from them in a futile war. The mixed hatred in the blood-soaked earth breeds a poisonous tree.

The child disappears, replaced by armed men aiming their guns at the observer. The observer, a skilled shooter, kills them all, feeling as if he’s fighting in the underworld. He then looks for the child, who seems to shrink in the chaos of war, too young to grasp the concept of collateral damage. Their eyes meet, and the child picks a flower with a dead butterfly attached to it, capturing his attention. In that moment, the observer feels a connection to the child and the flower, unable to pull the trigger and take another life.

Literary Analysis:

“War Child” serves as a profound exploration of the brutal effects of war on both the innocent and the combatants. The poem employs vivid imagery and rich metaphors to convey the desolation and hopelessness that permeates the battleground.

The child represents innocence and the loss of humanity in the face of war. His presence in the poem serves as a stark contrast to the ruthless violence surrounding him. The juxtaposition of the child’s innocent curiosity with the brutal reality of war illuminates the tragic consequences of armed conflict.

The poem’s narrator is a soldier caught in the web of war, struggling with the morality of taking lives. The hesitation to shoot the child and the eventual decision not to do so reveals the complexity of human emotions and the inner turmoil experienced by those who participate in war. The moment of connection between the child and the observer, symbolized by the flower and the dead butterfly, demonstrates the shared vulnerability and humanity that transcends the barriers of war.

The poem also addresses the concept of collateral damage and its impact on the innocent. The child’s inability to comprehend the term “collateral casualty” highlights the indiscriminate nature of war and its devastating consequences for those who are caught in its crossfire. The poem questions the morality and purpose of war by exposing the collateral damage it inflicts on the innocent and the environment.

The vivid imagery of the mixed hatred in the blood-soaked soil and the poisonous tree that grows from it serves as a metaphor for the destructive consequences of war, not only on human lives but also on the environment. The tree represents the lasting impact of war, symbolizing the bitterness, hatred, and resentment that continue to grow even after the conflict has ended.

In “War Child,” the poet effectively uses powerful imagery, rich metaphors, and a compelling narrative to evoke strong emotions and provoke the reader to reflect on the true cost of war. The poem highlights the devastating impact of armed conflict on the innocent, the environment, and the human psyche. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fostering peace, understanding, and compassion in a world plagued by violence and hatred.

A Bullet’s Life

Introduction:

“A Bullet’s Life” by Danny is a captivating and thought-provoking poem that offers a unique perspective on the devastation and futility of war by personifying a bullet. The poem invites the reader to explore the complexities of violence and its impact on both the perpetrators and the victims. Through its gripping narrative, the poem challenges the reader to reflect on the true cost of war and the human stories that are often overlooked.

A Bullet’s Life

I was born yesterday
in a hustle-free factory,
a man was smoking carelessly
on top of the gunpowder
around the cases and me;
fitting me inside is never an easy task
yet it is never done manually anymore,
nor does anyone tend to save on me—
I am abundant like the sun,
yet I mostly shine at night.
I was loaded in a box,
I looked around in shock
I thought I was unique—
thousands of brother and sisters
lining up to be loaded and wasted
for fear or joy we’re viciously shot.
legend has it, a bullet tells the truth,
a bullet that knows the righteous way to go,
a bullet controlling its primer;
the road was long and stories were longer,
none will ever see a son,
how could they ever claim a father?
Where do these stories come from?
Wait, the truck has stopped;
in the distance you hear a familiar sound—
our kin being wasted, again,
yet the sound alone is not enough
to tell whether it was to kill or just for fun.
I was in such a big company,
now in a magazine feels too tight—
loaded not with so many—
brothers in arms, for we’ll probably spill the same blood;
alas, in vain, like these poor soldiers,
some of us are sent to die
some are sent to kill—
we’re all younger than any one of them,
but sometimes it feels they’re younger still—
lasting for a couple of seconds
shorter than memory
on the battlefield, but we stay
in the memory of those who mourn the ones we waste.
Who’s more memorable now,
a soldier or his bullet?
for every soldier has one
today or in fifty years,
in head, or heart or memory—
oh! there are a lot;
every successful shot
that killed a friend
becomes unforgettable.
Now for wrath, stand fast brothers—
enemies are whizzing everywhere;
prepare to die, to kill and conquer—
I had the best view in the house,
the first sneaky shot to come out—
my man was moving slowly
trying to get a vantage point
but wait, is that a child
I can see from the barrel?
I held myself tight;
click, I stood still withstanding all urge to fly,
too late for my pal,
I gave him away—
he did receive us from the other side
so many there is no one left of us
for any special memory;
oh yes, these were also brothers—
like these fools we were all the same.
We stayed for a whole day
in the loaded magazine,
all intact, except for me—
I thought I was saving someone,
but I killed a friend;
take me back to a factory
before I hardened like life,
I could have been molded into anything else,
but wait, here comes the very boy I tried to save
salvaging and desecrating bodies,
why did you shoot young man?
my friend is already dead
stop wasting my brothers—
I had to take revenge,
it was time;
I jammed and now I can simply unjam,
but wait for the perfect angle,
here I go, I am inside his little skull—
It’s dark in here,
am I dead?
the boy’s about to be,
well, let me look
for I may see
a trace of cocaine—
not too young to take it now that I have been in his head—
a memory flashes here and there,
his family on a wall lined up and killed
like lambs no one did understand
what their blood for, was spilled,
but that was a long time,
I doubt the boy still recollects;
Oh no! I saw what I came her in for, at last—
the reason behind my being and all,
I saw the purpose in his mind—
like all these soldiers who died in vain,
and all my brothers who died in shame,
the boy’s mind was all thinking of one thing—
like all of us, the boy was just playing a game.

Paraphrase:

The poem begins with the birth of a bullet in a factory where it is mass-produced with countless other bullets. The bullet is then transported to a battlefield and loaded into a gun, contemplating its purpose and the stories it has heard about bullets knowing the truth and the righteous path. The bullet then witnesses its kin being used, unsure if it’s for killing or just for fun.

Loaded into a gun, the bullet finds itself in a cramped magazine with other bullets, all destined to either kill or die. It observes that the soldiers it will be used against are young, and their lives on the battlefield are even shorter than the bullet’s own existence. The bullet wonders who is more memorable – the soldier or the bullet itself – as every successful shot that kills a friend becomes unforgettable.

As the battle rages, the bullet prepares for its own moment of truth but hesitates when it sees a child in its line of sight. It resists the urge to fly out of the gun, inadvertently giving away its shooter’s position and leading to his death. Struck with guilt, the bullet wishes it could return to the factory and be repurposed for something else. However, it sees the same child it tried to save, now desecrating bodies on the battlefield, shooting other bullets aimlessly.

Seeking revenge for its fallen friend, the bullet decides to unjam itself and enters the boy’s skull. Inside the boy’s mind, the bullet searches for a reason for his actions, hoping to find a trace of cocaine or a long-forgotten memory of his family’s execution. Instead, it discovers the unsettling truth: the boy, like the soldiers and bullets, is simply playing a game.

Literary Analysis:

“A Bullet’s Life” is a powerful exploration of the senselessness and consequences of war, using the unique perspective of a personified bullet to reveal the complexities of human nature and the impact of violence on individuals. The poem employs vivid imagery and an engaging narrative to illuminate the harsh realities of war and its effects on all involved.

The personification of the bullet allows the reader to see the brutality of war through an unexpected lens, emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of violence and its far-reaching consequences. By giving the bullet emotions, thoughts, and a voice, the poem humanizes an object that is typically associated with death and destruction, challenging the reader to confront the true cost of war.

The poem’s exploration of memory and the idea of who is more memorable – the soldier or the bullet – emphasizes the lasting impact of violence on those left behind. The bullet’s contemplation of its purpose and the stories of other bullets knowing the truth and the righteous path serves as a metaphor for the moral dilemmas faced by those involved in war, questioning the justifications for their actions.

The child in the poem symbolizes the loss of innocence and the devastating consequences of war on the most vulnerable. By showing the child desecrating bodies and participating in the same senseless violence as the soldiers, the poem highlights the cyclical nature of war and the ways in which it can corrupt even the most innocent of souls.

The unsettling revelation at the end of the poem – that the boy, like the soldiers and bullets, is simply playing a game – serves as a powerful commentary on the futility and senselessness of war. It underscores the importance of recognizing the humanity and individual stories of those caught in the crossfire of conflict, urging the reader to consider the true cost of violence and the responsibility we all bear to break the cycle.

In conclusion, “A Bullet’s Life” by Danny Ballan is a poignant and thought-provoking examination of the devastating impact of war on both the innocent and the combatants. Through its unique perspective of a personified bullet, vivid imagery, and compelling narrative, the poem challenges the reader to confront the harsh realities of war and question its true purpose. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for compassion, empathy, and understanding in a world where violence continues to claim lives and destroy communities.

A Deserter

Introduction:

“A Deserter” by Danny Ballan is a powerful and evocative poem that delves into the psyche of a soldier who chooses to abandon the battlefield, exploring themes of survival, guilt, and the cost of war. Through vivid imagery and a compelling narrative voice, the poem invites the reader to reflect on the complex and often contradictory emotions experienced by those who are caught in the crossfire of conflict, as well as the consequences of their choices.

A Deserter

I’m running naked as the sky
the fields, the crops overgrown
sweat beads no more deliberately formed
on a wrinkled forehead so tired
of looking to see the road ahead
having abided by every law, I’ve marching
for days and nights, one by one like leaves of fall
they fell until no one was left on the tree
I still smell my sergeant’s guts
my uniform camouflaged with blood
of friends and foes a nectar mixed
so intoxicating that I lost my head
the wearied boots, the pair of gloom
I can’t recall which belonged to whom
I stripped them bare I thought
they’d need no shoes to go to hell
the rancid flesh in my sack
can’t recall whose animal was that
I found it cooked already by a shell
and weirdly reddish water from that well
I had to drink or slowly perish
vampirism has never been conspicuous
canines would grow inside your mind.
I’m running naked as the sky
bound by the fog of war, the smoke, the stars
I had none to define me so I’m everywhere
I am everyone like a big blank canvas
no one would stop to stare
a deserter I look at him today and wonder
twenty-five years like a moment never passed
am I not better off living, a father
or would I have better been a martyr
dousing a dying legend of a cause or a manthere
were a thousand reasons to die for
I chose one for which, today, I live.

Paraphrase:

The poem begins with the speaker running naked through overgrown fields, shedding the remnants of their soldier identity. They are tired and weary, their forehead wrinkled from the strain of looking for a way out. The speaker recalls the deaths of their comrades, the smell of blood, and the intoxicating effects of war. They strip off their boots and acknowledge the uncertainty of who they belonged to, and the gruesome contents of their sack, which include rancid flesh and reddish water.

Running naked, the speaker feels undefined and unbound, blending into the fog, smoke, and stars like a blank canvas. They contemplate their decision to desert, comparing their life now as a father to the potential of having been a martyr. The speaker concludes that, out of the many reasons to die in the war, they chose one reason to live.

Literary Analysis:

“A Deserter” is a poignant exploration of the emotional turmoil experienced by a soldier who chooses to abandon the battlefield, grappling with themes of survival, guilt, and the true cost of war. The poem utilizes vivid imagery and a compelling narrative voice to create an immersive and thought-provoking reading experience.

The imagery of the soldier running naked through overgrown fields symbolizes the shedding of their former identity and the burden of war. This sense of vulnerability and exposure is further emphasized by the powerful simile “naked as the sky,” which suggests both a sense of freedom and an overwhelming exposure to the elements. The poem effectively captures the physical and psychological toll of war through its description of the soldier’s wrinkled forehead, the intoxicating mix of blood, and the gruesome contents of their sack.

The poem’s exploration of guilt and self-reflection is evident in the speaker’s contemplation of whether they would have been better off as a martyr, giving their life for a cause, rather than living on as a deserter. This internal struggle highlights the complex emotions that soldiers may experience during and after war, questioning the value of their sacrifices and the consequences of their choices.

The concluding lines of the poem, in which the speaker acknowledges their decision to live rather than die in the war, emphasize the resilience and determination of the human spirit. By choosing one reason to live, the speaker asserts their agency and affirms the importance of survival in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, “A Deserter” by Danny Ballan is a profound and emotionally resonant poem that delves deep into the complexities of a soldier’s decision to abandon the battlefield. Through its rich imagery and powerful narrative voice, the poem invites readers to reflect on themes of survival, guilt, and the true cost of war. It serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the difficult choices faced by those caught in the crossfire of conflict.

A Boy’s Story of War

Introduction:

“A Boy’s Story of War” by Danny Ballan is a gripping and heart-wrenching poem that explores the brutal realities of war and the impact it has on the innocence of youth. Through the eyes of a young soldier, the poem delves into the horrifying experiences and moral dilemmas faced by those on the battlefield. The poem’s vivid imagery and powerful narrative voice invite the reader to confront the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of war on the human spirit.

A Boy’s Story of War

A head or two blemished the image
smeared my view of who might that be
what stands between me and you
a block or two, a window, a wall
I can duck behind if I’m lucky enough
I might race you back to the start
reset and go like an endless runner
bound to hit an obstacle, and fall
a couple of extra lives well spent
a new day, a new player takes on the reins
with a plan or no plan, a veteran or not
the game goes on; it’s never over.
A story which sounds so teenish
to see war naked should not make you shy
the sound of one so beautiful once
once upon a shade of a woman
running away from being raped
for the tenth time, today
her hatred can never grow greater
to fit all these faces and all these men
it’s a time of war my boy they said
spoils lie everywhere you have bled
look into the enemy’s eyes
squeeze her neck and take what’s left
it was such a disciplined art
by rank and order they all lined up
I was a mere private, alas...
a colonel started, I had to watch
and tremble for the truth I had to hide
my heart inside would shiver
yet among them that was no man’s heart
bragging at some numbers
at mere numbers
how many times could you kill a woman?
by the end of the camp fire
most were swaying drunk with glory
my turn was coming like death
I thought how lucky I was
that girl was already dead
all were drunk
and I was the last
I sneaked her body beneath the sand
I didn’t have to kill her again.

Paraphrase:

The poem begins with the speaker describing a distorted view of war, as if seeing it through a smeared window. They compare the experience to an endless runner game, bound to hit obstacles and fall. The war continues, with new players taking on the reins, regardless of their experience or strategy.

The poem then shifts to a disturbing scene of a woman being repeatedly raped by soldiers. They justify their actions as spoils of war, taking turns in a disciplined, rank-ordered manner. The speaker, a mere private, has to watch and tremble in fear, hiding the truth of his own heart.

As the soldiers get drunk with glory, the speaker’s turn approaches. He realizes how lucky he is that the girl is already dead, and as the last in line, he takes the opportunity to sneak her body beneath the sand, sparing himself from having to kill her again.

Literary Analysis:

“A Boy’s Story of War” is a haunting and deeply moving poem that explores the devastating impact of war on innocence and humanity. Through its vivid imagery, powerful narrative voice, and exploration of the moral dilemmas faced by a young soldier, the poem forces the reader to confront the dark realities of war and the toll it takes on the human spirit.

The poem’s use of the endless runner game metaphor serves to illustrate the relentless and cyclical nature of war, emphasizing the inevitability of obstacles and the constant need for new players. This metaphor also serves to highlight the detachment and desensitization that can occur in the midst of conflict, as soldiers become mere players in a never-ending game of destruction.

The brutal scene of the woman being raped by soldiers is a stark reminder of the horrific acts committed during wartime. The poem effectively captures the dehumanizing effect of war on both the victims and the perpetrators, as the soldiers justify their actions as spoils of war and engage in a rank-ordered, disciplined process. This chilling portrayal of the loss of humanity underscores the moral degradation that can occur in the face of violence and destruction.

The speaker’s internal struggle, as they grapple with their own sense of morality and the expectations of their fellow soldiers, highlights the complexities of navigating the battlefield. Their decision to bury the woman’s body instead of participating in the horrific act demonstrates a glimmer of hope and humanity amid the darkness of war. This act of compassion contrasts starkly with the actions of the other soldiers, emphasizing the speaker’s struggle to hold onto their own sense of right and wrong in the face of immense pressure and brutality.

In conclusion, “A Boy’s Story of War” by Danny is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that delves into the harrowing experiences of war and the profound impact it has on the innocence of youth. Through its vivid imagery, compelling narrative voice, and exploration of moral dilemmas, the poem invites readers to confront the dark realities of war and consider the true cost of conflict on the human spirit.

Bombardment

Introduction:

Danny Ballan’s poem “Bombardment” is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that addresses the horrors of war and the devastating effects it has on innocent civilians. The poem speaks to the dehumanization of people, the disregard for human life, and the justification of violence. It depicts the author’s view of war as an act of senseless violence that has tragic and irreversible consequences for humanity. The poem’s tone is somber and melancholic, conveying the message of the inhumane nature of war and its lasting impact.

Bombardment

Drop another bomb
for something’s wrong down there
in the fog of war going on
drop another bomb
a child’s running scared
but children are no children in this part of town
they cut their cords and walk from day one
young lads at two
decoys at four
armed and ready at ten
drop the bomb
show no quarter
we left them nothing at all
let us take their lives.
Drop another bomb
an old man passing
acts like to a prayer going
arrange the meeting yourself
he’s longed for long to meet his maker
send him there if there is one
the new world is for the young
a revolution must bathe in blood
no place for an old bough
supported by young sprouts
taking all their fruits
let it fall and feed the ones below
soaked in a pool of their own
drop the bomb and move away
a clear conscience in there you may
find if I only knew what conscience was
drop the bomb
end his suffering
he has lived for too long.
Drop another bomb
too slow she’s moving
carrying a heavy load
in a time of war
who needs another mouth
to feed, who needs another species
to breed and get through a night
so dark for years waiting for light
with the char of our might
we will drop another bomb
make sure day never comes along
she doesn’t want that child
she doesn’t need that child
she cannot feed that child
as long as like locusts we fill the sky
no green left but we keep our quest alive
for one last patch we may devour
then call its taste so sour
how could it be any different?
it’s still our land
drop the bomb and remember
you and I will never forgive
ourselves, so drop the bomb
that’s an order.

Paraphrase:

In the poem “Bombardment,” the author expresses the idea that war is a senseless act of violence that dehumanizes people and has devastating consequences for humanity. The poem describes the dehumanization of civilians in war-torn areas, including young children who are forced to grow up too quickly and become decoys and soldiers at a young age. The author advocates for dropping bombs on innocent civilians, including an old man, a woman carrying a child, and a child who is running scared. The poem also highlights the idea that war creates a cycle of violence and revenge, making it impossible for people to forgive themselves or each other.

Literary Analysis:

Danny Ballan’s “Bombardment” is a poem that employs strong imagery and a powerful narrative to depict the horrors of war. The poem’s structure is simple, with short stanzas and a repeated refrain of “drop another bomb.” This refrain serves to reinforce the poem’s central theme of the dehumanization of war and the ease with which people can justify acts of violence.

One of the key elements of the poem is its use of stark imagery to create a sense of horror and dread. The description of young children as soldiers is particularly powerful, as it highlights the tragic loss of innocence that is often a consequence of war. The author’s description of an old man longing to meet his maker is also poignant, as it suggests that even those who have lived long lives are not spared the horrors of war.

The poem’s repeated call to “drop another bomb” is particularly jarring, as it emphasizes the ease with which people can become desensitized to violence. The poem also highlights the idea that war creates a cycle of violence and revenge, making it impossible for people to forgive themselves or each other. This theme is particularly relevant given the current state of global politics, where conflict and violence are all too common.

Overall, “Bombardment” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that raises important questions about the nature of war and its impact on humanity. Through its vivid imagery and poignant narrative, the poem provides a stark warning about the dangers of dehumanization, violence, and revenge.

The Day of the Massacre

Introduction:

Danny Ballan’s poem “The Day of the Massacre” is a heart-wrenching piece that explores the grief and pain of a mother who has lost her son in the service of his country. The poem speaks to the tragedy of war and the impact it has on families and loved ones. The author depicts the mother’s sense of loss and the struggle to come to terms with her grief. The poem’s tone is mournful and contemplative, conveying the message of the devastating effects of war on human life.

The Day of the Massacre

Walking like the wind
I knew he could never
be mine; I’d hold him tight
to my chest like a peanut shell—
the world had to break
to take it out, and I
to remain on an empty plate
with all my kernelless fruits
thrown back at me.
I’d picture him so handsome in a suit
walking down the aisle, and my eyes full
cascading all the memories;
in this two-minute walk,
I could summarize his life,
and this wife taking him
away from me, I’d hope
she could also see
what I’ve always seen in him
a prince shining like a dream.
One year or two would pass,
I would anxiously wait out my grief—
like a blade of grass
with no hand to weed out,
I’d have no chance to grow
but older in life
and younger in jealousy—
each pound of flesh in him
belongs to me;
I would not let her devour
my baby boy, but I‘d wait
to see the gracious fate
bringing back to me a piece
from him and more
they grow and grow
like a tree so tall would flourish—
I couldn’t wait long enough though
to see it bear fruit,
I’d be too old and deaf and mute
but happy to the core
of my fragile shaking bones.
They returned him to me
today or yesterday or the year before—
the wound is still oozing,
the pain is still near—
in a coffin they said I should not
open and see what he looked like,
dead in the service of his country—
what service, what country?
he belongs right here
he is a living part in me—
Are you telling me I’m dead?
I can hear myself—
the giggles, the laughs,
the first word, but never the last,
the feet forming like wings
the first steps racing the winds—
What are you telling me?
My womb has been for rent?
No longer needed now,
ready to be sold as rented, for free.
I don’t care about your gods,
nor do I care about your country—
I’m alive, but dead, and then alas, alive
with every single memory.
Take your martyrdom to hell,
and bring my son back to me...
bring my son back to me...

Paraphrase:

In the poem “The Day of the Massacre,” the author portrays a mother who has lost her son in the service of his country. The poem describes the mother’s sense of grief and loss and her longing to be reunited with her son. The author describes the mother’s memories of her son and the dreams she had for him, including his marriage and the birth of his children. The poem also highlights the mother’s anger and frustration with the country and its leaders who sent her son to war. The author concludes the poem with a plea to bring her son back to her and a rejection of the idea of martyrdom and patriotism.

Literary Analysis:

Danny Ballan’s “The Day of the Massacre” is a powerful and moving poem that explores the grief and pain of a mother who has lost her son in the service of his country. The poem’s structure is simple, with short stanzas and a repeated refrain of “bring my son back to me.” This refrain serves to reinforce the poem’s central theme of loss and the longing for reunion.

One of the key elements of the poem is its use of vivid imagery to create a sense of grief and pain. The author describes the mother’s memories of her son, including his first steps and his giggles, which serve to highlight the depth of her loss. The poem also highlights the mother’s anger and frustration with the country and its leaders who sent her son to war. This theme is particularly relevant given the current state of global politics, where conflict and violence are all too common.

The poem’s portrayal of the mother’s grief and loss is particularly poignant, as it highlights the devastating effects of war on human life. The author’s description of the mother’s longing to be reunited with her son is also powerful, as it suggests that the human need for connection and love transcends even death.

Overall, “The Day of the Massacre” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that raises important questions about the nature of war and its impact on humanity. Through its vivid imagery and poignant narrative, the poem provides a stark warning about the dangers of violence and the need for greater empathy and understanding.

To Whom War Calls

Introduction:

Danny Ballan’s poem “To Whom War Calls” is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that addresses the horrors of war and the manipulation of people’s emotions to justify conflict. The poem speaks to the dehumanization of people and the justification of violence for the sake of power and control. It depicts the author’s view of war as an act of senseless violence that benefits only the elite and the powerful. The poem’s tone is critical and questioning, conveying the message of the inhumane nature of war and its lasting impact.

To Whom War Calls

War starts with a word and ends with a song—
All that love for spring and blossoms to bloom,
Whispers of glory and a cause gone wrong
All left to fight in one little dark side room
In a big castle shared by the old all along;
But still a question to arms is meant to whom?
As we wish, for our spoils’ sake, it lasts a bit too long—
To young martyrs on whose bones we boom
On a sea of mixed skulls, we finally sing the song
To the glorious under our boots now rest in oblivion’s womb.
To whom war calls but the elite and the mob
Because tears of our mothers are too sweet to sob,
And red we want to the river of blood not blue
To sacrifice them all, for the rest to be ruled by the few,
And history’s pens are ours to make our history true;
To give a bone prize medal, a wife, some kids and a job,
A house to settle and clap, and mine your homes to rob—
Could a lie be lied and lied upon and still be so new?
Should I keep chewing and spitting that I cannot chew,
And keep the people a carpet under my shiny shoe?
Why not be king of the wide world all alone?
For there will always be believers, if not in god, in stone.

Paraphrase:

In the poem “To Whom War Calls,” the author expresses the idea that war is a senseless act of violence that benefits only the elite and the powerful. The poem describes the manipulation of people’s emotions to justify conflict and the dehumanization of people who are sacrificed for the sake of power and control. The author questions who war is meant to serve and criticizes the glorification of violence and war. The poem also highlights the idea that history is often written by the victors, and the true cost of war is often hidden from view.

Literary Analysis:

Danny Ballan’s “To Whom War Calls” is a poem that employs strong imagery and a powerful narrative to depict the horrors of war. The poem’s structure is simple, with short stanzas and a repeated refrain of “to whom war calls.” This refrain serves to reinforce the poem’s central theme of questioning who benefits from war.

One of the key elements of the poem is its use of vivid imagery to create a sense of horror and dread. The description of a sea of mixed skulls and the glorification of violence and war is particularly powerful, as it highlights the tragic loss of life that is often a consequence of war. The author’s criticism of the manipulation of people’s emotions to justify conflict is also poignant, as it suggests that people are often used as pawns in a larger game of power and control.

The poem’s repeated call to question who benefits from war is particularly jarring, as it emphasizes the ease with which people can become desensitized to violence. The poem also highlights the idea that history is often written by the victors, and the true cost of war is often hidden from view. This theme is particularly relevant given the current state of global politics, where conflict and violence are all too common.

Overall, “To Whom War Calls” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that raises important questions about the nature of war and its impact on humanity. Through its vivid imagery and poignant narrative, the poem provides a stark warning about the dangers of dehumanization, violence, and manipulation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the war poems of Danny Ballan offer a poignant and vivid portrayal of the experiences of soldiers on the battlefield. Through his masterful use of language and imagery, Phoenix brings to life the sights, sounds, and emotions of war, revealing both its horrors and its heroism. His poems provide a moving tribute to the brave men and women who have fought and sacrificed for their countries, and a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict. By analyzing and paraphrasing these poems, we can gain a deeper understanding of the universal themes of war, courage, and sacrifice, and appreciate the enduring power of poetry to capture the complexities of human experience.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

<a href="https://englishpluspodcast.com/author/dannyballanowner/" target="_self">Danny Ballan</a>

Danny Ballan

Author

Danny is a podcaster, teacher, and writer. He worked in educational technology for over a decade. He creates daily podcasts, online courses, educational videos, educational games, and he also writes poetry, novels and music.

You may also Like

Exploring Love and Loss

Exploring Love and Loss

Dive into the complexities of love and loss with D.H. Phoenix’s evocative poems. From heartbreak to new beginnings, these poems explore the universal experiences of navigating relationships and finding meaning in life.

read more

Recent Posts

Categories

Follow Us

Pin It on Pinterest