That Nobody Wanted
.
By Patrick O'Donnell
.
I
They gave us a war that nobody wanted
The warnings unheard or simply discounted
The men of the Pentagon surely undaunted
Gave us a war that nobody wanted
II
The weapons of war are tested and counted
Military hardware displayed and dismounted
Allies ignored and the enemy taunted
They gave us a war that nobody wanted
III
Divisions of men and weaponry flaunted
Ships tanks and planes in quantity granted
By death and destruction civilians are haunted
They gave us a war that nobody wanted
IV
Prime ministers presidents and generals have ranted
Television pictures and news are being slanted
Voices are raised and slogans are chanted
They gave us a war that nobody wanted
V
High powered weapons and missiles are vaunted
The guns have been fired and the bombs have been planted
All shall be well when the foe is surmounted
They gave us a war that nobody wanted
VI
When the conflict is over and the story recounted
We'll forget the destruction and horror implanted
But remember the soldiers and statesman enchanted
By this terrible war that nobody wanted
(Poem's source : poemsabout.com)
Child Victims of War
(click to enlarge).
On the 17th of November, Hastings Against War - in aid of Child Victims of War - presents a second day of music to raise further awareness of this charity, and the work it is doing. You can read more info about this event on Robert Hill's website.
Hastings Against War (hastingsagainstwar@yahoo.co.uk) formed in February 2003 when local peace campaigners and anti-war activists joined to oppose the invasion of Iraq. Working locally, and making links with other national groups, Hastings Against War continues to hold information stalls, petitions, public meetings and demonstrations to oppose the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Amidst the bloodshed across this land, the victims cry and plea, who shall avenge the lifeless bodies strewn upon land and sea? The automatic weapons and the weapons of war, blare with anguish upon the rich and the poor.
Violence has no face, no shame, no name.
The youth lay dying, minds and bodies beyond repair, the fatherless homes empty shallow mazes, the lonely, the angry, breed despair. Drugs prevail among corporate offices and dirty city streets, the affluent and the welfare recipient, the strong and the weak.
Violence has no face, no shame, no name.
The preacher shouts and church goers moan, the prayers at the grave sites, no gun control. No justice in the courts, they walk to kill, rape and maim again, and they stand proud and call themselves men. Laying wasted in the countryside, beaten, robbed and forlorn, neighbors remain silent, as the helpless unite for the power to burn senseless laws and city codes, that neither shelter nor protect peaceful abodes.
Let the cultures unite, strength in unity prevails, who will advocate for the victims rights? Who will lift up the just and denounce the unjust, who prey as stalking wild beast killing day and night? Where is the justice that eludes the perpetrator? No value system, no brotherhood of mankind, breeding anger, hate and sociopathic behavior.
Violence has no face, no shame, no name.
Children killing children, no reasoning, no sorrow, no academic achievements, no thought of tomorrow. Ventilating fear, anger and desperation, no childhood dreams, nor goals that inspire, only deadly guns, on target, destroying with blazing fire. We humbly seek God's grace.
Violence has no face, no shame, no name.
