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Patriotic Poems
War and Tragedy

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Contributor: Nancy L. Meek || Poem Categories

When Tyrants Rise Up

country as flag
Until someone comes up with a better plan
when tyrants rise up, some of US will stand
detecting through the silence the guttural cries
of those held captive by the master of lies;

So, off to war we will go once again
sacrificing our own to ease their pain
loosening shackles that bind the weak
who suffer in silence even as we speak.

Everyone knows that war brings death
unspeakable atrocities within its breadth
while parents wring their hands in fear
the elite will claim their child this year.

Potential martyrs for a vicious king
pubescent soldiers in allegiance sing,
sacrificed so their families will be fed
"Give me your son or you will be dead!"

A child is viewed as a human shield.
a defensive weapon on the battlefield
clutched and held to a soldier's breast
his life expendable to the tyrant's best.

A courageous few, sickened by it all
have their tongues, in turn, nailed to a wall
examples for the benefit of anyone there
who might be inclined to show they care.

Such is the way of madmen possessed
who torture their citizens, totally obsessed
with instilling fear to make them obey
that is, until someone makes them pay.

One day is equal to a thousand years
to those who live paralyzed with fear
Can't you hear the cries from where you are.
pointing your finger from a distant star?

What would Jesus do in such a case.
just turn His back on the human race
chuck it all, exclaiming, "What the hell!
So what if they are suffering. Oh well!"?

Would He simply ignore their muffled cries
let them be duped by the master of lies
or would He hold them in a loving embrace
teach them to know the enemy's face.

Answer me this: In a world gone astray,
who down here will run to save the day
until Our Father decides to settle the score
judging our fruits when kings declare war?

We do what we must.what we feel is right
when sadistic tyrants would rather fight
than answer pleas from a weary world
taunting our leaders with evil unfurled.

Sometimes, it's the big stick we pick
regardless of the fact it makes some sick
to think more tyrants might rise later on
to fuel the fight once the others are gone.

So, what do you do? Please tell me true
until Our Lord stands there looking at you
asking, "What did you do in my name
when tyrants chose our brothers to maim?

Did you approach the king's front door
with an offer of peace instead of a war
implore him to cease his sadistic ways
firmly inform him, 'Deceit never pays!'?

And then, did you wash your hands of him
take matters into your own because of them
who were just too afraid to speak their mind
as they dreamed of a life of a better kind?

Did you remember my commandment to love
as war hawks debated with peaceful doves
taking into account the sacrifices ahead
as you marched your men into a sea of dread?

Did you pray your head be anointed with oil
as your brave men bled on that foreign soil?
Did you pray for wisdom on the right thing to do
as more tyrants focused their eyes on you?"
By Nancy L. Meek
Copyright 2003
Listed May 14, 2010
About Author... Nancy is the proud wife of William "Billy" J. Meek, a Vietnam War Veteran, who served with the 1st Cavalry Airmobile Division, 11th Aviation Group, 228th Battalion, Co. B. Nancy's website

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~~ Send your comments and/or use permission request to
Nancy. ~~

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War and Tragedy Poems | Poem Categories