The Ache of History

by Bob Blatchford

The futility of violence, the ache of history

Easy solutions, easier blaming

Light and dark, too simple to describe it

 

Patriotism, nationalism, the fluttering flag

Massaged emotions, the call of a cause

The futility of violence, the ache of history

 

Stories of heroes fondly told

Right and wrong never in doubt

Light and dark, too simple to describe it

 

A shuddering world struggling for meaning

Self regarding, hurt, striking out

The futility of violence, the ache of history

Light and dark, too simple to describe it

Reproduced with kind permission of the author. This poem was composed in Poetry as Commemoration workshops held during Listowel Writers’ Week in May-June 2023. The workshops were led by poet Luke Morgan.