Here's another anti-war poem. Veneta's experience with both World Wars comes into play in this one.
by Veneta Donaldson
They told me of the strife at sea
When ships were tossed in maelstrom wide;
They told me of Victory's fee
And depth of scars men cannot hide.
They told me never would our sons
Again feel hatred in their breast;
They told me all death-waging guns
Had been discarded, laid to rest.
They told me all men should be free,
United brothers of One World.
They never mentioned sophistry
Nor darkness that may be unfurled,
Chaotic, worse than twice before
When Peace was thought predominant.
They should have told me one thing more —
That war stalks men intolerant.
A note about gender: As was the custom for most of the 20th century, Veneta used masculine words like "men" and "brothers" when indicating both genders. So she meant "all humans should be free, united siblings of One World." I prefer the way she wrote it, because it comes across as less technical and more poetic.
The next poem in this series can be found here: In Memoriam.
This is part of a series of poems by Veneta Donaldson. A brief bio and the beginning of the series can be found here: Veneta Donaldson: A Poet in the Family.
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