victim of the war in Ukraine (Still Miracle Photography)Three Poems on War, by Susan Jarvis Bryant The Society March 10, 2025 Culture, Pantoum, Poetry 3 Comments . The Core of War a pantoum The trickster charms and arms both sides— He funds the ally and the foe. His hype unites and it divides. He’s oh so anti… also pro. He funds the ally and the foe. His crimson riches rocket in. He’s oh so anti… also pro— Securing him a wicked win. His crimson riches rocket in. He casts the loaded die with glee Securing him a wicked win— He revels in his devilry. He casts the loaded die with glee. He shimmers in the battle’s blaze. He revels in his devilry— The pain of constant conflict pays. He shimmers in the battle’s blaze. His hype unites and it divides. The pain of constant conflict pays— The trickster arms and harms both sides. . . Contesting Etiquette When cherished men are hunted down like beasts, Seized from native streets in blatant view, Bludgeoned, drafted, armed and then released To fight and die for lies passed off as true— There isn’t a democracy to save… And yet this myth is peddled by a star Attired for battle. Rooters hear him rave From TV screens beyond war’s abattoir Where husbands, sons and fathers robbed of choice Are forced to face the grinding jaws of death. A global god has stilled his people’s voice— His iron fist has snuffed their very breath… Perhaps this bankrolled idol drenched in blood Should have his lauded name hauled through the mud. . . Battle Backchat I’ve heard it said that all is fair in war— A nasty stance, a nauseating quip Pushed by squawking hawks all hot for gore. The crooks grow rich when Odin cracks his whip. . . Susan Jarvis Bryant is a poet originally from the U.K., now living on the Gulf Coast of Texas. NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. Trending now: 3 Responses Mark Stellinga March 10, 2025 Susan, I’m sensing Lindsey Graham & Volodymyr Zelensky (in particular) in these 1st 2 pieces. Am I on the right track? Nothing like a pantoum to make ones point. So well said – Reply Russel Winick March 10, 2025 Susan – All three of these poems cogently reflect your extraordinary linguistic talent. I especially like the subtle changes in the final line of The Core of War. It would be most enlightening if one could somehow access your thought process in creating a poem like that! Reply Roy Eugene Peterson March 10, 2025 1.) How superbly you found a perfect combination to begin and end “The Core of War.” War profiteers “charm and arm” while they “arm and harm” both sides. 2.) The object of your second poem comes through clearly to me. Perceptions will vary on this one, since history has thousands of examples. 3.) The same object may be said of the third poem, yet there are so many throughout history to whom this also applies. Odin cracking the whip was a fascinating turn of phrase. All three poems belong in the pantheon of great war poems as communicated to us by an astute observer, clever writer, and adept rhymer. Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Mark Stellinga March 10, 2025 Susan, I’m sensing Lindsey Graham & Volodymyr Zelensky (in particular) in these 1st 2 pieces. Am I on the right track? Nothing like a pantoum to make ones point. So well said – Reply
Russel Winick March 10, 2025 Susan – All three of these poems cogently reflect your extraordinary linguistic talent. I especially like the subtle changes in the final line of The Core of War. It would be most enlightening if one could somehow access your thought process in creating a poem like that! Reply
Roy Eugene Peterson March 10, 2025 1.) How superbly you found a perfect combination to begin and end “The Core of War.” War profiteers “charm and arm” while they “arm and harm” both sides. 2.) The object of your second poem comes through clearly to me. Perceptions will vary on this one, since history has thousands of examples. 3.) The same object may be said of the third poem, yet there are so many throughout history to whom this also applies. Odin cracking the whip was a fascinating turn of phrase. All three poems belong in the pantheon of great war poems as communicated to us by an astute observer, clever writer, and adept rhymer. Reply
