avatarAnitha Sankaran

Summary

The poem "Blow Away the Cobwebs" envisions a transformation of war into peaceful agriculture, suggesting a metaphorical reimagining of armed conflict as a means to nurture life rather than destroy it.

Abstract

"Blow Away the Cobwebs" is a peace poem that contrasts the violent act of firing a gun with the nurturing act of sowing seeds. It proposes a world where military actions are replaced with farming activities, where soldiers would cultivate the land instead of waging war, and where weapons are repurposed as tools for growth. The poem imagines a scenario where war fields become fertile grounds for crops like rice, maize, or corn, and the efforts of armed forces are redirected towards agriculture, unity, and the preservation of life. Drawing inspiration from Carl Sandburg's "A. E. F." and in response to a prompt on "Work" by David S., the poem advocates for a redefinition of the roles of servicemen and women, from warriors to cultivators, aiming to bridge gaps and foster connections rather than cause destruction.

Opinions

  • The poem conveys a strong anti-war sentiment, advocating for peace and the transformation of violent actions into constructive ones.
  • It suggests that the energy and resources spent on war could be better utilized in ways that support life and growth.
  • The author seems to believe in the potential for change in the purpose and outcomes of military training and action.
  • There is an underlying belief that nature and human cooperation can overcome the barrenness caused by conflict.
  • The poem implies that a shift in perspective and priorities can lead to a more harmonious world where boundaries are united rather than divided.

Blow Away The Cobwebs

A Peace Poem (Prompt — Work)

Image by Martyn Cook from Pixabay

The gunman dusts off his rifle,

loads it, pulls the trigger and fires

towards the ground —

How would it be if the

crop filled bullet sows

the seeds of rice,

maize or corn in the field?

A war field would be a rice field.

Let the arms of the armed man

plow in the direction directed

by the exhausted farmer.

Let the soldiers stock the

ammunition crate with organic

manures and fertilizers.

Let the water flow in the

war fields instead of blood

to make the barren land bloom.

Let the servicemen and

women protect, preserve

thousand living plants.

Let the warrior be trained

To join hands

To cultivate food

To unite boundaries

To connect the gaps

rather devastate and

divide the lands.

This poem is inspired by A. E. F. Carl Sandburg 1920

In response to the prompt Work by David S. Thank you for the wonderful prompt.

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