Of War and Peace

Cherry

By luigi_pagano

Tue, 01 Nov 2022
  • 1085 reads
12 comments
 

The Romans used to write
Si vis pacem, para bellum
perhaps on wax tablets
or maybe on fine vellum.

It means “if we want peace.
we must prepare for war”
a phrase the militaries
will want to underscore.

But it can also be seen
as a deliberate pretense
to stockpile weapons
in the name of defense.

I am an ignoramus,
I'd like to learn more;
can anyone tell me
why do we resort to war?

I'd like to understand
the cause but am unable.
I fail to see the reason
for Cain killing Abel.

It's said that it was due
to a preferred sacrifice
but this explanation
for me will not suffice,

I find it confusing
as I cannot envision
how such an episode
is related to religion.

Lord Byron in a play
made the argument
that Cain was symbolic
of a hot temperament

provoked by Abel's
sanctimonious hypocrisy.
But that assertion
doesn't persuade me.

In my humble opinion,
it is common sense
to remain cool
as things get intense.

You may want to ask.
what do we do, then?
I see only one solution:
before acting, count to ten.

If we don't use our brain
instead of mere brawn,
we'll never achieve peace
and wars will go on.

 

 

© Luigi Pagano 2022 

 
 

Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Historical Fiction
Opinion

Comments

Submitted by Di_Hard on

This must be one of my favourite non humorous ones of yours Luigi - it flows really well and the meaning unfolds skillfully

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Variety, as they say, is the spice of life, Di. Pleased you enjoyed this effort of mine.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Thank you, editors, for the surprising cherries yes

 

Submitted by lenchenelf on

... you show our eternal follies.

Well done.

Lena xx

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Cain's anger and jealousy are indicative of what so often leads to quarrels and war. Many things can strir up a 'short fuse' even in those who acknowledge the wisdom of 'counting to ten'.

Abel certainly wasn't sanctimonious, as God looked in favour on his offering. It may have been his attitude in making the offering was the important factor, or it may well have been that they had learnt from the clothing given of animal skin in Eden that animal death was necessary to show the need for subsitute for forgiveness – it represented their acknowledgment that their sin deserved death, and they asked mercy. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Thanks, Rhiannon.Your input is greatly appreciated.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Cheers, Lena. I am one of the 'make love, not war' generation. laugh

Luigi xx

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

 

 

Submitted by David Kirtley on

Good poem! If only counting to ten was enough to prevent conflict! but it is a good suggestion, which does sometimes work. I suppose if nations are not armed they will be trodden on. If they are not prepared to fight they will have their territories or resources taken off them. History shows the failure of nations or groups which do not arm and defend effectively. They become losers, their people refugees or slaves.

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

I appreciate your point of view. David, and what I am advocating - universal peace - may amount to Utopia. I notice that in the USA the argument of self-defence is used to justify the possession of weapons. In my humble opinion, it makes the situation less safe, judging by the mass shootings we read about. 
When it comes to nations the situation is more volatile as a great number have huge stockpiles of nuclear weapons as well as conventional. The British are familiar with Churchill's famous quote " jaw jaw is better than war war" and I subscribe to that sentiment. Good communication skills are needed to cement relationships.

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

There was a guy who told me "history has proved "if weapons are made they are used" but if you like chess also "the best defence is attack".

Take what you like and leave the rest.

Tom

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Henry Ford said that history is bunk. Everybody has their opinion, Tom. Many thanks for letting me know yours.

Best, Luigi