Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Write an INSPIRATIONAL article (11/27/14)
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TITLE: Swords into Plowshares | Previous Challenge Entry
By Margaret Kearley
12/03/14 -
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The autumnal golden beauty of a cloudless October day evaporated at the sight before us: numerous heavy tanks, armed aircraft, a vast display of military might arrayed, row on row, with patriotic pride.
True, it was an outdoor museum but somehow the sight before us vividly highlighted the reality of the ongoing pain of this war-torn Eastern European country.
The arresting war-statue before us dominated sight and mind with a sombre realism.
Into the heaviness of such thought, a simple picture brought Heavenly light ….
Imposing hefty granite
sculpted by skilful hand,
helmet clad warriors dressed for war
and poised for action stand.
A monument to those who fought,
their granite face depicts
determined patriotic zeal
intent on victory, fixed.
All weathers, seasons, they remain,
symbols of power and might,
transporting minds to blacker days
erupting from war’s plight.
Many a one will stand before
this red-starred soldier band
and ponder the dumb-victory shout,
raised rifle in still hand.
Silhouetted ‘gainst the sky
the heavy statue’s grim,
but round its base
soft waters lap
and ducks serenely swim.
My heavy thoughts are halted
by infant visitors three
who stand beside me, by the lake,
and cheer with childlike glee.
Such innocent, excited joy,
such rapt attention caught
by ducks and drakes upon the lake
squabbling with piercing squawk:
skidding, spraying, landing,
the avian water-ski
with skilful adroit movement,
nimble dexterity.
The children leap and giggle
at the antics here displayed
beneath war’s fierce some shadow,
beneath the statue’s shade.
They do not see the monument,
Or feel the gore of war,
the loss, the blood filled history,
the pain, the heartache sore.
But with a clear immediacy
and seeing open eyes
they taste Creation’s joyfulness
with wondering surprise.
Out of the joyful mouths of babes
truth lands with heavenly wings
and an apt whisp’ring reminder –
‘Consider well these things’.
‘Whatever things are lovely,
just honourable and pure’
consider well the goodness
of God’s providing Law.
He’s filled the earth with good things,
lift up your eyes and see
His beauty in creation
His care for you and me.
Come, hold this truth in balance
when days are black and grey,
remember then the lesson
that the children taught today.
(Philippians 4:8)
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the heavy statue’s grim,
but round its base
soft waters lap
and ducks serenely swim."
I loved this image of opposites. Your poem pictures clearly the importance of child-like faith and hope, if we don't want to be overwhelmed by early terrors.
Thank you for the encouragement.
God bless~