This is a retitle and partial re-write/edit of "The relativity of Cruelty"
A poem in four parts
Intro
Main verse
Query
Coda.
Are your atrocities more atrocious than mine? Or is it six and two threes?
I ask questions but have no answers.
The words I've set out for you to see
Are a plea for objectivity.
Asks the bitter cynic in my head
Will you wave your flag or count your dead?
His knife slashed the face and breasts,
Of a hapless young stewardess,
Whose crime was to wish a nice day?
Don’t try to excuse this away.
We’re told that “ends justify means”
If to barbarity "means" tends
And their fundaments are obscene,
Have the "means" not destroyed “the ends”?
However if barbarity
Is by you and suffered by me
It’s crime against humanity.
Vice versa on the other hand
Is something really rather grand
As you all surely understand
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Written by tpowell (105 comments posted) 11th October 2007 |
A very thought provoking poem, it certainly conjures up strong images. And it's very true that it depends which side you're on as to how you view things.
Tracey |
Written by Bottleblondesurfer (5077 comments posted) 11th October 2007 |
Yes. very true, One mans's terrorist is another's freedom fighter.
Objectivity is always the first casualty.I suppose if we are "right" then we can't afford it and neither can the other side.
I often think the worth of a poem doesn't lie in lyricism and elegant structure but in condensed meaning and that is what you have achieved here. I particularly thought
"Have the "means" not destroyed “the ends”? "
a good example and clever the way you redefined and old saying
A stand out line
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Written by Phil (8763 comments posted) 12th October 2007 |
I think this might be the third version of this I've read. However, it bears repeating/readjusting as the same sorry state of affairs continues and probably will as long as humanity lasts.
Phil. |
Written by stevetroster (1907 comments posted) 12th October 2007 |
Deep, meaningful, well versed and well received.
All the best,
Steve. |
Watto Tracey
Written by BrianRobertNeal (1436 comments posted) 13th October 2007 |
This has grown from a four line poem starting "his knife" etc into it's current form. Thanks for your time and comments.
Brian |
Watto Bubbles.
Written by BrianRobertNeal (1436 comments posted) 13th October 2007 |
"I often think the worth of a poem doesn't lie in lyricism and elegant structure but in condensed meaning"
I completely agree with you. Thanks for your time and comments,
Brian |
Watto Phil
Written by BrianRobertNeal (1436 comments posted) 13th October 2007 |
Yes you have and thank you for all your time and comments.
I really liked your piece on Non-Fiction.
Brian |
Watto Steve.
Written by BrianRobertNeal (1436 comments posted) 13th October 2007 |
Thank you,
Brian |
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