Don't pray for dead men. Pray for the live ones.

Just words.

Forget your personal tragedy. We are all bitched from the start and you especially have to be hurt like hell before you can write seriously. But when you get the damned hurt use it"don’t cheat with it. Be as faithful to it as a scientist"but don’t think anything is of importance because it happens to you or anyone who belongs to you. About this time I wouldn’t blame you if you gave me a burst. Jesus, it’s marvellous to tell other people how to write, live, die, etc.--Hemingway

They wrote in the old days that it is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country. But in modern war there is nothing sweet nor fitting in your dying. You will die like a dog for no good reason.--Hemingway

“Older men declare war. But it is youth that must fight and die.”
― Herbert Hoover

“It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.”
― Voltaire

                           Don't pray for dead men. Pray for the live ones.


I stood with alone with my friend. A flag and photo for my missed friend on Memorial day. I told him. His girls are strong and beautiful. He is a Grandfather and the boys look like him. I whispered. I miss you my good friend. Old timers come near and pat my back. We stand in silence together. 

The old timers talked of the old wars. They don't talk about the bad days. They talk about the good days. The days of drinking, laughing and celebrating life.  One of them looked sad and he told me. Only good thing about war. It make home so much sweeter and worthwhile. After I fought in Vietnam. My Detroit became wonderful and so damn beautiful. I came home and I thanks God for home and my family.

The soldiers come early on Memorial day. They stand with their memories and with men who understand the cost of war.



A WW2 Veteran offered his hand and he told me his name was Paul. I offered my hand and I told him my name is John. He held my hand a long time and he told me. John, you can't forget the men lost to the wars but John. Don't pray for the dead soldiers. They have found peace and they are with their brother soldiers  in paradise. We need to pray for the live soldiers. We need to pray daily and demand for peace over war.  Us, who saw war and gave their youth away for the hate of war. We must be the voice of sanity.

Memorial day is coming. Wars are alive and well in our world. Let's pray our leaders learn kindness, concern and forgiveness. Allow this world to heal. Wounds can heal with the gift of water, food and medicine. Let's pray no guns are being used today and the soldiers are coming home. Let's pray we allow the soldiers to not learn blood and death. Please Lord of life and death. Allow the children to be children. To dance, sing and know laughter when youth is their wealth.

                           John Castellenas/Coyote

                           

Author's Note

I hate war.

Reviews

[Jesie Lamb]

I may slightly differ with your point of view on war, but I agree 100% that a battle solely fought out of greed, vanity and the senseless pursuit of power only brings pain and confusion to the families that receive a folded flag to their homes. I'm sorry for your loss and may you never have to feel this type of pain again.

[Coyote Poetry]

I hope not and I know I will. I have many grandchildren and a bad world I left for them. If we don't stop the wars. War will find all of us. Thank you for reading and the comment.

[Jesie Lamb]

On the contrary, thank you Mr. Coyote for your service and beautiful poetry.

[emmajoy]

Crying.. nodding. Muttering Amen, John.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you my friend. Need a billion people to demand peace. I hope ASAP.

[SOUL LESS]

'I hate war'. Brings a wry smile to my lips. Don't we all? It's an incredible thought praying for the living instead of the dead: thanks for sharing. I thought the end was particularly well done. Powerful, Powerful stuff.

'Please Lord of life and death. Allow the children to be children.'
This, for me, is the best of the poem.

I remember watching Schindler's List and someone asked me which scene affected you the most.

Most people pick the scene at the end where he breaks down even after doing so much because he didn't sell his pin and what not. I picked the moment where a kid hears a noise and runs to hide. His innocence, his ability to live and laugh and love and to look at the world with an uncolored gaze has been corrupted. For me there is no greater tragedy than the corruption of a child's innocence.

Let children be children. Well said, John.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree my friend. I pray daily for peace. Enough had die for land and oil. Thank you or reading and the comment.

[Wajiha Nayeem]

this is so true coyote,i loved the poem and the title as well...the title was the main thing that attracted me to this poem...keep going.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Wajiha. I appreciate the comment.

[Wajiha Nayeem]

my pleasure....keep writing friend!