In the old wars drum of hoofs and the beat of shod feet.
In the new wars hum of motors and the tread of rubber tires.
In the wars to come silent wheels and whirr of rods not
yet dreamed out in the heads of men.
In the old wars clutches of short swords and jabs into
faces with spears.
In the new wars long range guns and smashed walls, guns
running a spit of metal and men falling in tens and
twenties.
In the wars to come new silent deaths, new silent hurlers
not yet dreamed out in the heads of men.
In the old wars kings quarreling and thousands of men
following.
In the new wars kings quarreling and millions of men
following.
In the wars to come kings kicked under the dust and
millions of men following great causes not yet
dreamed out in the heads of men.
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From guest nathan (contact)
i like this poem, im 14 and im doin it for a school assignment. this poem is entertaining in a way. -
WoW! The comparison between the two time periods was quite amazing. Whe I think of how the marching of time has brought about so much progression, we tend not to think that progression and transformation covers all areas, including weapons of mass destruction. This was very interesting.
♥ Kimberly -
War's devasation may not change but the method of it does and the severity... as this poem so clearly describes.
Even if this was written in 1916, it's obvious it fits today's world. Certain leaders see themselves as kings (and have even referred to themselves as dictators!).
The only thing I disagree with is "great causes" unless meant as vast causes... war isn't a great (as in good) thing to me. -
Well doesn't this paint a clear picture of what this piece is a conclusion of. And it rests well on the heels of the future. I like the repetition of it throughout the piece. It's a beginning a middle and in an ending.
A great piece that Sandburg has written here.
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