When The Bullets Fly

An observation on the pointlessness of war and the increasing levels of terrorist violence in today's world.

When the guns come out and the bullets start flying,

And the blood begins to flow, and people start dying,

You need to take a step back, and ask yourself why,

Is there any good reason for people to die?

There are certainly monsters in need of killing,

And there are always men who are more than willing,

To murder innocents in the name of a cause,

Or to slaughter millions in acquisitive wars.

When you scale it down to the personal level,

Is it the nature of man or the work of the Devil?

The cycle of violence is driven by passion and greed,

By those who covet far more than they need.

Historically and increasingly it is about religious fanatics,

Who preach holy writ while building bombs in their attics.

Unable to tolerate different beliefs,

They murder the innocent, cause nothing but grief.

Each day brings news of another atrocity,

Mass murders committed with increasing ferocity,

The mindless need to spread fear and death,

Making it ever harder to draw a calming breath.

As for the men of violence, what have they won?

You cannot get love at the point of a gun.

Their reward for spreading terror and hate,

Is a hole in the ground and the eternal wait.

© 2017 The Iron Horseman

Reviews

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Amazing and powerful poetic work that is an indictment of all the evils plaguing the world . Gun violence, power, greed, corruption, rape, described vividly and eloquently. Great language, form, flow, imagery, cadence and musicality. Your message is important and meaningful, and I stand behind it. Kudos!

[The Iron Horseman]

Wow! Thank you for all those kind words, Annette.
And for the moral support. The world really is a mess, isn't it?

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

You’re very welcome my friend! Yes, the penultimate mess I’d say.

[Paul Bell]

You usually find, some western government has propped up said despot. Will it change. Probably not.
It's amazing we're in the 21st century, and war is greater than ever.

[The Iron Horseman]

Yes, its unfailing popularity is mind-boggling. Thanks for reading this, Paul.

[barleygirl]

One of the most creative & original poems I've read about the curse of terrorism & violence. Your thoughts & observations are well-expressed in clear, straightforward language, while also maintaining sophisticated rhymes & mostly good rhythm. This font is very hard to read, so I wish you'd try another, or make it a little bigger. This is universally relatable & meaningful (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[The Iron Horseman]

Thank you, Margie. I will try a different font! Your input is always greatly appreciated.

[R.E. Ray]

A tough, sad subject for a poem. Yet, it's something we need to consider and discuss. So much to address in your poem. In the end, in my mind, morality is truly black and white. The "gray" fringes we create and talk about are just rationalizations, some we accept, others we reject.

I don't think any man believes he's taking innocent life at the time of the killing. He's been made to believe the killing is righteous. It's an indoctrination all countries and armies practice. Otherwise, we wouldn't kill each other. So, you're piece is incredibly thought-provoking. Thanks for that.

[The Iron Horseman]

Thank you, Robert. I totally agree with your observations. If there were no politicians there would be a lot less warmongering! And you're right - it is a brain-washing process.

[Karen Redburn]

No truer words have been spoken. War and greed are pointless. In the end we all sleep in a small plot in the ground. Perhaps it is an adrenaline rush they seek, I have no idea. Hate is a disease that spreads like wildfire. As for your poem, the words are clear and concise. There is no doubt at the meaning and the rhythm and rhyme are well metered. Fantastic job, on a not so fantastic subject my friend. Cheers!

[The Iron Horseman]

Thank you, Karen. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[Karen Redburn]

I did and if there is anything specific you were thinking of with asking for reviews, feel free to ask away. But this really is a very clean and relatable piece. Have a great evening.

[The Iron Horseman]

No, nothing specific. I just enjoy knowing people are reading my work and I appreciate any input.read moreNo, nothing specific. I just enjoy knowing people are reading my work and I appreciate any input.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.