Welcome to the 212th Virtual Poetry Circle!
Remember, this is just for fun and is not meant to be stressful.
Keep in mind what Molly Peacock’s books suggested. Look at a line, a stanza, sentences, and images; describe what you like or don’t like; and offer an opinion. If you missed my review of her book, check it out here.
Also, sign up for the 2013 Dive Into Poetry Challenge because its simple; you only need to read 1 book of poetry. Check out the stops on the 2013 National Poetry Month Blog Tour and the 2012 National Poetry Month Blog Tour.
Today’s poem is from S/SGT Irvin V. Worden from Korea, The Chosen Place, a view from Old Smokey:
Korea Korea, the chosen place Ravished by war, laid to waste All United Nations there engaged In another history Page. Korea, tis not a beauty site To see by day or by night. The eye beholds only the gloom Of a country buried in war's tomb. Korea, it's been torn up and torn down; Marched up and marched down. Korea, blood shed, land and mountains Have been bathed by youthful fountains. Brave men here have gone to their reward Perishing 'neath the sword. Korea, twas not a war they say; Only a police action day by day, A testing place For the human race. Korea, two ideals clashing Communism and democracy smashing; The U.N.'s firm stand Against the hammer red hand. Korea, a question of peace there, A question of peace everywhere Soon it may be inflamed Again in blood and war's shame. Korea, a prayer of the free That inpeace here we may see The sword no more to rise On any land or any skies.
What do you think?
Thanks for sharing this. I saw an interesting National Geographic documentary on modern North Korea recently. It’s so hard for us to imagine.
I think the rhyming scheme detracts from what would otherwise be a powerful poem. But you know I’m not a fan of rhyming poetry.