The same foolishness
everywhere. We talk over
each other, repeat
words until they are erased.
The lines become solid form.
We can’t see either
forest or trees. We respond
without listening.
The same actions, recast,
broken up, taken down. Angry
outlines drawn like guns.
Hanging over cliffs, waiting.
Holding on, out, back.
We banish heart, soul. Burning
every single bridge. Drowning.
Early in my blogging life, on memadtwo, I did a series of paintings titled what is it good for? Then I did some embroideries titled war is not healthy (for children and other living things). Unfortunately, it’s (always) (still) relevant. Even in my city (mostly) young men are killing and being killed every day by gang and turf wars that are little more than macho posturing. And of course, as in every war, civilians are merely collateral damage.
Three linked tankas for Colleen’s #TankaTuesday with synonyms for life and move.
K. 
An excellent post. The poem, prose and art all worktogether to challenge popular ideas aboutwar.
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Thanks Suzanne. It’s a cycle we can’t seem to exit from.
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That’s for sure!
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Really emotive, top image for your theme, Kerfe. Such crazy violence that is never-ending on your American streets and re-occurring now in Israel as the world watches with grave concern. 😦
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Thanks Olga. It’s hard to know what to do to stop it.
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Your poem captures the futility of it all, from top to bottom. Inequality, financial and otherwise, is the root of this evil And all the politicians do is talk outta both sides of their mouths.
Pat
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Continously. Thanks Pat.
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Hard not to think along these lines. If it’s not an entire country blowing itself up, it’s the city streets, the gangs of self-righteous young men. Even the dealers with their assault rifles have no choice. They’re driven to criminality because of unemployment. That’s their story anyway.
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It’s so hard to isolate the exact causes. People are angry, discontented. They feel victimized, unseen, unheard. When there are so few that have so much and so many that have so little–that’s not a formula for peace.
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As one of our politicians (François Ruffin) said about the rich, ‘They’ve got the money, we’ve got the people.’
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Kerfe, your message resonates with so many of us. I love your artwork, and your heartfelt tanka sequence touches my soul. Powerful music to accompany your poetry, as well. Well done, my friend. ❤
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Thanks Colleen. It’s easy to point out the problems, but solutions are scarce.
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Especially when one side refuses to believe in reality . I agree, Kerfe. 🌸
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I watched, “Cartel Land” last night and it was so depressing, the circular nature of it. I think so much violence comes about from poverty. People without options turn to drugs or violence. The two go hand in hand. The innocent always suffer, you’re right.
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The deep divide between the haves and have-nots is certainly a contributing factor. But the fact is, it’s a very small percentage of the population that is prone to extreme violence. The problem is, they take whole neighborhoods and populations down with them. And then it feeds on itself. Perhaps that’s also true of nations at war as well. It’s a whirlwind that becomes a death spiral. How do you get out?
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So sad and unfortunately so true. Your art says it all.
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Thanks Ingrid. We have not yet thought of a solution, but just keep repeating the same destructive patterns.
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Seemingly yes.
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Very much in agreement. Absolutely nothing.
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Sadly, yes.
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So sad, and so true. We were discussing some of this at my sister’s house yesterday. Unfortunately, we have no solutions either–all of us just saying, why can’t people get along?
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I wish I had an answer. But we need to keep asking.
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Yes, you’re right.
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Beautifully done, Kerfe. What is it good for, indeed? Except the mass inflation of human ego in the face of many awakening to deeper truths. 💙
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Thanks Bela. Ego, yes, that’s exactly it. Me me me. Again, still.
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Yup.
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A powerful and meaningful post, Kerfe! The artwork is beautiful and what an impact it makes together with your poetry and words. Brava! 😀 xo
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Thanks Vashti!
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So moving and profound and tragic, Kerfe. As always your artwork adds layers and depth.
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Thanks Diana. It’s endless.
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