There But For Fortune

gun metal sky weeps

dying in blood red farm fields

poppies breathe their last 

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I sang this song hundreds of times, starting with one of my first guitar lessons in 6th grade, but I had not thought about these sentiments as being a message about wartime. I'd always thought of it as the ever-growing divide between rich & poor. But I love your interpretation & how it's expressed in vivid imagery (((HUGS)))

[Chris Shaw]

It's a beautiful song Margie and I am pleased that you like the interpretation of my lines. Have a great Wednesday.

Chris

[Samuel Dickens]

With few words, you convey what a tragedy war is. This world will never learn, it seems. The title caught my eye, it being a song written by Phil Ochs. (Also performed by Joan Baez)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sam. Yes, the title I chose from the song which Joan Baez sang. Meant a great deal back in the sixties and still does now. Really appreciate you noticing that. Happy Sunday.

Chris

[.]

War in any form is absolutely unfortunate. It brings death and destruction.... So any gentle and kind heart can weep seeing this destructoon

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Sima, no one wins in war. We are all losers and how we all suffer as a result of it. Focusing on the deaths in the past helps to remind us of the futility of it all. Have a lovely day my friend and keep safe.

Chris

[Gee]

A poem to repost on my daughters birthdat, 11/11 :)
How any nation can ever claim to have "won" a war is beyond me. Never any winners.
Hi Christine, hope you are we'll and dry !

[Chris Shaw]

No one wins in war Gee, and it's all kicked off again in Israel. Pity your daughter's birthday is on a day which no one want to remember. It's all very wet here. You could say rain has stopped play.

Chris

[Melinda McQueen]

A sadness is written here.
Deep and emotional.

[Chris Shaw]

There is a deep sadness when remembering the destruction wars brings and the lives sacrificed. Thank you Melinda.

Chris

[lightsong]

So sad dearest Chris, and I can feel your tears and your heart's bleeding. how far humans can go driven by their greed. it's unfortunate that a place as wonderful as earth is filled with many of them ruining the beauty of it, and the beauty of humans bonds and connections.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you lightsong. Really appreciate you checking in.

Chris

[Fran Marie]

a powerful write up
of the perilous times
in which we live

I suppose wars of
the world will always
be so.. and danger will
always prevail

well done

[Chris Shaw]

Have a good weekend Fran Marie and thanks for checking in.

Chris

[Just Kim]

Wow, such a wonderful imagery here, nicely written

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Kim for your review. Hope all is well with you.

Chris

[Just Kim]

yeah, all is good

[Remanence]

In my country 1900 -2000 is known as our century of wars. Your verse certainly gives focus to the total cost and loss of those times. You reach deep when you write, very powerful.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Watercress. The cost was enormous and the grief lasting. So many young lives taken. Not sure that the sacrifice is either understood or appreciated by some of the younger generation. All the best.

Chris

[Delmar Cooper]

Poppies, yes the thing you wear on Armistice Day. Tell me as I am forgetful, is it a remembrance, a mourning or is it a celebration- a rejoicing. I once knew; I'm sure I did.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Delmar. I guess there are some who may rejoice, but for me, very much a time to reflect on those who sacrificed their all for my freedom. It's all in the timing. Some people are caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, and boy do they pay for it. War wherever it is, is evil.

Many thank yous for dropping by.

Chris

[Sarah Cristobal]

Ah, the short, sweet and powerful approach. Very nicely done!!!!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Sarah for checking this senryu out. Pleased you called in.

Chris