Patterns seem to be forming
and I begin to fear War
I read ‘The Clowns of God’ by Morris
and now the real Pope announces
that he feels War more immanent
because of the rising cries for peace.
And some where in the last few days
I read that someone (the Pope?)
feels we’re leaving the ‘post-war period’
and entering a ‘pre-war period’.
In Beruit 28 men out of 90 survived
a hand to hand attack with hatchets
and, then, the Korean flight, 007,
was shot down this last week.
The faces of Danny and Chris swim before my eyes
against the back drop of nuclear conflict
and the inescapability of Los Angeles
in wartime.
The only thing that comes to mind
when I try to imagine War as not inevitable
is the sheer stupidity of it.
But, somehow, that seems small defense
in the world of ever lessening resources
and ever growing competition for them.
Children, families, neighborhoods, blood lines
toys, momentos, health, life, and life works
are all irrevocably torn asunder by War …
Where will I hide a little boy
who says, ‘Daddy, I love you, so much.’
and hugs me with such simple trust…?
gallagher
13 September 83 – Irvine, CA
— Copyright 1965-2008 by Dennis Gallagher —