READ: A Poignant Message About the Destructive Nature of Conflict and the Need for Compassion and Understanding in our Tumultuous World
Bangladeshi Humayuns Editorial Post, the chosen poem "Sheath the Sword, Life is Beautiful" is a chef-d’oeuvre of Her Majesty, Prime Minister, Eden S. Trinidad of Birland State
The Poem:
"Sheath the Sword, Life is Beautiful
We, the Poets may never know,
What really causes the will to blow?
Yet, dear leaders please pause and swallow
The pride that causes all the sorrow.Men succumb to heated defense,
I am for Russia I am for Ukraine!
Desire to be great becoming more intense,
And the whistling bullets continue to rain.Human beings are not the same,
yet created equal with a different name.
Though we know, and still acclaim,
and men continue the blame game.Anger piercing to their bone marrows,
Acting like there’s no tomorrows,
The victims of unresolved strife,
Roar in pain for open wounds of shame and gripe.And it won’t get healed, they must get even!
My leaders please haze don’t take the bait,
Halt while you can control your mind,
Put off the blaze in your warrior's brain.Be calm amidst great storms of life
Life once lost is gone and who has gain
It won’t ever return again, never again,
Like the flowers it is gone with the wind.Pray great leaders and be humane,
Sheath the sword and remain sane,
Let love find its way in every adversity,
Let sorry be not the hardest words to say."
Analysis:
In "Sheath the Sword, Life is Beautiful," Her Excellency, Eden Soriano Trinidad artfully weaves a poignant message about the destructive nature of conflict and the need for compassion and understanding in our tumultuous world. The poem delves into the question of what drives humanity to engage in war and asks leaders to reflect on their actions and the consequences of their pride and choices.
The opening lines immediately draw readers into a contemplative mood, acknowledging the mysterious and complex motivations behind human conflicts. The plea to "dear leaders" to pause and "swallow the pride" that causes sorrow is a powerful call for self-awareness and humility.
Her Majesty skillfully employs contrast to highlight the futility of wars driven by nationalism and ego. The lines "Men succumb to heated defense, I am for Russia I am for Ukraine!" emphasize how territorial disputes and desires for greatness escalate conflicts, while the "whistling bullets continue to rain," symbolizing the ongoing violence and suffering.
The poem's central theme revolves around the intrinsic equality of all human beings despite their differences. "Created equal with a different name," reminds us of the universality of our existence and the shared responsibility to co-exist peacefully. However, the poetess laments the prevalence of the "blame game," where people refuse to take responsibility for their actions, leading to a perpetual cycle of strife and suffering.
The Queen's vivid imagery vividly conveys the intensity of anger and its impact on individuals and societies. "Anger piercing to their bone marrows" portrays the deep emotional wounds that result from unchecked rage. The phrase "acting like there's no tomorrows" emphasizes the recklessness of actions driven by anger and vengeance, as if there are no consequences to face.
Amidst the chaos and pain, Her Majesty urges leaders to find the strength to resist the temptation of further violence and to embrace peace and understanding. The metaphor of "the blaze in your warrior's brain" reminds leaders that their decisions can spark catastrophic consequences, urging them to maintain composure even during the stormiest times.
The final stanzas exude a sense of urgency and poignancy, emphasizing the irreparable loss caused by war. The metaphor of life as fragile as flowers carried away by the wind evokes the ephemeral nature of existence and the preciousness of every moment that should not be marred by conflict.
The masterpiece concludes with a heartfelt plea for leaders to be humane and compassionate, to sheath their swords and seek reconciliation and peace. The lines "Let love find its way in every adversity, Let sorry be not the hardest words to say" emphasize the transformative power of love and the importance of humility and forgiveness in healing the wounds of the past.
In "Sheath the Sword, Life is Beautiful," Her Excellency, Eden Soriano Trinidad masterfully captures the essence of human struggles, urging us all to embrace empathy, understanding, and love as the pathways to a brighter and more harmonious world. The poem's poetic brilliance lies in its ability to evoke powerful emotions while delivering a profound and timeless message.
