Imagine thunder from artillery
the reek of mud and flesh
the fog-horn panic when we seek
a subway safety below
when the war we never wanted
closes in;
and I pray for ironwork of guns
for bombs, grenades for enemies to die
instead of us.
and yet I crave for fairness and for peace
for swords that turned to plows.
and deep within I know
my foe must share my crave.
Today Dora hosts Poetics at dVerse. The topic is despite and still, which made me think about the necessities are changing. We have war that seems to be too close for us not to prepare.
December 12, 2024
Björn Rudbergs writings 
Very nice. You picked the best lines for the title, too.
Thank you… a bit dark actually
Endless wars — History repeats itself, and soldiers are just the pawns in the hands of the greedy and power-hungry. The swords and plows allusion strikes just the right wistful note, Björn, of what we know must be true.
Alas there is still some time for swords… but for the a time for the plows soon.
A prayer, may it be answered in 2025. I don’t care what it takes, even if ETs have to make an appearance.
It’s inevitable that war affects us and our poetry, Björn, and you’ve evoked the feeling of being under attack so well, with the ‘reek of mud and flesh’ and the ‘fog-horn panic when we seek a subway safety below’. I love that you referenced ploughs in poem and title, and a peaceful occupation.
Hooked to this…so well-scribed, with all the thunder. You certainly have a fairer heart than I, for I am full only of malice unfortunately for the foe, and hopefully that can change one day.
And they are closing in, yes: a certain fatalism has taken hold in towns like Kharkiv, where a siren raises no eyelid anymore, but in towns further back it certainly causes the scene you describe.
I rather incredibly lost my password for my email and can no longer access my Substack…just to say yes, in my previous life Pirate was me…
Part of me is still on the very dark side of this, but I still have to believe that there are humans everywhere that crave a fair peace…
A wonderful contrast between hate and a prayer for peace.
Poignant, the truth stated in your poem Björn
Much❤️💚love
I believe even our enemies crave peace. In the end people fight wars not of their making. I fear the “fog-horn panic”
So true, each one must work for peace. Must want peace.
It is my hope that hearts crave peace more than war…it is not looking good…
Oh Björn this piece is fucking fire-branded truth. The bizarre conundrum that those fighting and who are wounded or killed — do not want the hell of war. But there they are bound by the scheme of this above them, safe, fed and warm, removed from the horror of the front line. BTW nice job of the image. Poetry makes for a fine foundation for AI. I always use the poem in the base draft of my work. …bravo my friend…. 🙂👍🏼✌🏼🫶🏼🎼
I think sometimes the soldier are true believe (especially if you have something to defend), which is why you need the hate to go on…. but someday it will be time for a fair peace.
Such an accurate and heartfelt write, Bjorn.
Such a deep and insightful poem Björn
Thank you… I have sunken pretty deep in my thoughts.
You’re welcome.
Only revenge or greed seeks destruction. I believe you are right, in the heart of every soldier is a wish for peace and prosperity! A stark reminder for us all. Well done.
Björn, your poem rings so true within me. You see the horror and darkness but yet you stand up and pray for peace.
at the end you say what we all know, that our enemy will feel the same.
wish all leaders would.
Miriam
Maybe we are all victim to a sunken cost fallacy.
You echo very accurately what most of us feel. If everyone starts craving peace, maybe there would be no wars.
Every foe is as human as we are. Excellent poem, Bjorn!