War
~~~
Since the dawn of time we have fought
Millions of lives have been paid, nothing bought
Castles to hold what we deem dear
For having any less our greatest fear
~~~
We see ourselves as the elite
Take as much as we can from those we meet
With all the greed that we release
We build a world that will never know peace
~~~
All the treasures your hatred yields
And all the blood spilled on foreign fields
Will count for nothing when you’re gone
These are not the things that will make you strong
~~~
Strength is not found in what we hold
Not seen in our vaults of silver and gold
Our strength is seen in how we live
The strength of caring, the power to give
~~~
commonsensiblyspeaking 
Great poetry. Awesome stuff. Bravo, Brad.
Thank you kindly, Yasmin! I appreciate all your support!
You are welcome, Brad.
A beautiful and hopeful ending
Thank you, Beth!
Brad this is both haunting and so true. I love the raw honesty in this piece.
“With all the greed that we release
We build a world that will never know peace”
Such a powerful message to those who think material things change us for the better.
Beautifully written my friend. I applaud your desire to keep our world from war.
Sending love, hugs and flowers this morning.
Your friend,
Jonikins
Thank you, my dear friend Jonikins! Sending back love on cool breezes and autumn leaves!
Oh what a lovely and inspiring gift. Thank you my friend. I appreciate it especially today. My neck has been hurting an old water skiing accident which ended in cervical surgery ten years later. It acts up from time to time and I have to try not to use my computer too much. So this is a special treat. You have lifted my spirits my kind friend. Love ❤️💕🤗🤗Jonikins
You have really impressed me with this one, and that is saying a lot because I have admired your work since I began reading it, but these lines: “Our strength is seen in how we live; The strength of caring, the power to give.” are so true, so real and should be the lesson that every child should leave their schooling years with, engraved in their spirit, their mind, their everyday living. Brilliant and great work my brother…after all, war is something that only those who have been in one know how horrible it is.
Francisco
Thank you so much, Francisco! I always appreciate your feedback and support. I agree that those who have seen combat are the ones most willing to look for an alternative to violence. Take care, my friend!
My pleasure my friend.
Your timely thoughts about what is strength register with me, Brad. Power is shown in plenty of ways besides militarily.
Thank you, Pete! I appreciate your support and comments. Strength comes in many colors!
beautiful final stanza, and so true. well done, Brad!
Thank you, my friend!
Very well said!
Thank you, Kristian! Hope you are both well!
My pleasure. We have our moments, but we’re relatively healthy & trying to stay sane.
Bravo 👏 👏 👏 👏