War-time Powers and Persuasions of Poetry

(“Insanities of Hatred & War No. 1” art graphic with poem by Aberjhani including elements of DALL-E imaging ©Oct 2023 for Bright Skylark LitProds)

In times of conflict and war, the world often witnesses humanity's darkest side, as nations grapple with destructive forces of violence and chaos to settle their differences. The horrors of war are an inescapable part of our shared history, whether in ancient battles on different continents or in modern conflicts like the 2023 military confrontations between Israel and Hamas, or Russia and Ukraine. In fact, according to estimates provided by multiple organizations which track military conflicts between various nation-states, at least 32-42 were such disputes already in progress when Hamas launched its assault on Israel October 7, 2023.

Moreover, according to the Geneva Academy: “Our Rule of Law in Armed Conflict Online Portal (RULAC) classifies all situations of armed violence that amount to an armed conflict under international humanitarian law. Today, it monitors more than 110 armed conflicts and provides information about parties, the latest developments, and applicable international law. Some of these conflicts make the headlines, others do not. Some of them started recently, while others have lasted for more than 50 years.”

In the face of such turmoil, is it possible that poetry might serve as a powerful tool for both preventing and navigating through the abyss of war? We will delve into two thought-provoking poems, "October 2023" and "The History Lesson" (text in section further down) to analyze how poetry can contribute to dialogues surrounding military conflicts; and, subsequently, we will identify several additional classic poems from the past and by more contemporary poets that are comparable in their ability to shed light on the complexities of war.

THE ESSENCE OF POETRY
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​Before delving into the specific poems, it is essential to understand more about the nature of poetry itself. Poetry, as an art form, has a unique capacity to distill complex emotions, thoughts, and experiences into concise, vivid, and emotionally resonant language. It often transcends mere communication, seeking to illuminate the human condition and our shared experiences in a profound way. Through metaphors, imagery, and rhythm, poetry can engage our emotions, intellect, and imagination in a manner that prose often cannot. It is this ability that makes poetry a valuable medium for exploring the intricate sociological and philosophical aspects of war.

​POEM: OCTOBER 2023

          War is insanity magnified
          to an unquantifiable degree.
          Feeding off toxic madness,
          which then excretes chaos
          completely indifferent
          to the slaughtered rhymes and
          screaming reasons of human beings.
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​In "October 2023," author-poet-artist Aberjhani confronts the grotesque nature of war. The poem highlights war as a manifestation of madness and chaos, feeding on the suffering of humanity. The imagery of "toxic madness" and "slaughtered rhymes" speaks to the senseless destruction that war begets. The poem's tone is one of condemnation and despair, reflecting a plea for a different path, one that avoids the horrors of war.

​The philosophical underpinnings echo the works of scholars like Hannah Arendt, who explored the banality of evil and the idea that people can become complicit in acts of brutality when they surrender their individuality to the collective madness of war. With  its brevity and poignant language, “October 2023” encapsulates the sociological and philosophical critique of war as an irrational, destructive force that devours humanity.

POEM: THE HISTORY LESSON - 
RESILIENCE OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT

          This morning bombs ruined
          the back yard. Prophecies and
          rumors of prophecies all came true.
          A despot bound for hell
          took the long way to a very bad day.
          A feather-throated songboy screamed
          madness from atop his platinum-plated cross.

          But the temple of your presence?
          It never shook once.

          Biblical atrocities stormed chaos
          from New York to Bagdad to Freetown.
          The sun and moon of your face refused
          to hide behind Armageddon.
          Wisdom gushed like diamonds from your brow:

         “Knowledge planted in truth grows in truth.
          Strength born of peace loses nothing to hate.”
 
          How many fears came between us?
          Earthquakes, diseases, wars where hell
          rained smoldering pus
          from skies made of winged death.
          Horror tore this world asunder.
          While inside the bleeding smoke
          and beyond the shredded weeping flesh
         we memorized tales of infinite good.
               (from ELEMENTAL, the Power of Illuminated Love)

​Aberjhani's "The History Lesson" takes a different approach from his same poem “October 2023” to the subject of war. This poem portrays a world in turmoil, and rife with "Biblical atrocities," yet the speaker turns to the presence of a guiding figure who remains unwavering. The poem is also different in that it was written to correspond with a painting by the artist Luther E. Vann (1937-2016) for the book ELEMENTAL, the Power of Illuminated Love (2008). By contrast, “October 2023” was written in direct response to news reports of Hamas’s attack upon Israel on October 7, 2023. 

The central message in “The History Lesson” is one of resilience, emphasizing the strength of the human spirit to withstand even the most catastrophic events. The juxtaposition of a world in chaos and the enduring wisdom and peace within the individual suggests that war may inflict external harm, but it cannot penetrate the core of human goodness. Or what the author has sometimes called “the essence of divinity that makes life possible.”
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From a sociological perspective as well, "The History Lesson" reflects the adaptability of societies and individuals in the face of war. Societies can emerge from conflict with a renewed sense of purpose, strength, and unity. The philosophical aspect resides in the notion that inner peace and wisdom can transcend external chaos, underscoring the power of the human spirit to find meaning and goodness even in the most trying circumstances. 

COMPARABLE POEMS FROM CLASSIC LITERATURE

"The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot (1922): T.S. Eliot's poem is a timeless exploration of the disillusionment and fragmentation of society in the aftermath of World War I. It presents a haunting vision of a world in crisis, reflecting the societal disintegration and the search for meaning in a post-war landscape.

"The Charge of the Light Brigade" by Alfred Lord Tennyson (1854): This poem, written in response to the disastrous Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War, highlights the blind obedience and sacrifice of soldiers in the face of war. It can be compared to "October 2023" as it explores the devastating consequences of war while emphasizing the importance of critical thought in decision-making.
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"Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen (1920): This World War I poem reveals the horrors of warfare and the disillusionment experienced by soldiers on the front lines. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and can be compared to "The History Lesson" for its focus on the human experience in the midst of conflict.

COMPARABLE CONTEMPORARY POEMS

"Home" by Warsan Shire (2017): Shire's poem, which gained recognition during the Syrian refugee crisis, delves into the dislocation and trauma experienced by those fleeing war. It serves as a contemporary reflection on the consequences of war and the urgency of empathy and understanding.

"In the Event of My Demise" by Tupac Shakur (1991): Tupac Shakur's poem delves into the themes of mortality, social injustice, and personal transformation. It speaks to the pressing issues of violence and inequality in urban America, offering a contemporary perspective on the impact of conflict on society.
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"The End and the Beginning" by Wisława Szymborska (1993): This poem by Nobel laureate Wisława Szymborska reflects on the aftermath of war and the cycle of destruction and reconstruction. It invites readers to consider the enduring resilience of human societies in the face of devastation.

In Poetic Conclusion

​The poems presented here by Aberjhani, as well as the additional historical and contemporary poems, offer valuable insights into the complex interplay of philosophy and sociology in the context of war. Poetry, with its capacity to encapsulate deep emotions and provoke contemplation, can serve as a means to question the senselessness of war and the resilience of the human spirit. In a world grappling with conflicts and crises, the power of poetry should not be underestimated, as it can inspire dialogue, reflection, and ultimately, the pursuit of peace as a more rational and compassionate path for humanity.

ChatBack Op-Ed Contributor 3308
Special to AI Literary Chat Salon Launch 2023