Playful Games of War



There are sounds of little boys outside.
Laughter and giggles and dances in the rain.
As they play in the backyard,
They talk of things little boys would talk about:
Water guns, action figures, rockets, videogames,
Rockets, bombs, survival for the day,
Murder, destruction, instances of vivid r---.
Just the usual things they get to see every day.

Unfortunately for their bodies,
Perhaps fortunate for their minds,
Their talks of the world around them,
Became talks of the world they live in,
Because talks were now screams.
Short-lived, visceral screams.
The art of war:
The guns, the rockets, the bombs.

The toys of the grown-ups
has vanquished these little boys,
And their lives live on as
Specs of a blood-filled painting.
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Submitted by yopdop on December 26, 2023

42 sec read
14

Quick analysis:

Scheme XXXXABXB AAXXAAXA AAAX
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 728
Words 140
Stanzas 3
Stanza Lengths 8, 8, 4

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1 Comment
  • AIDA
    Wow, "Playful Games of War" is a thought-provoking and powerful poem that depicts the innocence of childhood juxtaposed with the harsh realities of war. The beginning of the poem beautifully captures the joy and carefree nature of little boys playing outside, creating a vivid and nostalgic atmosphere. The way you contrast the lighthearted subjects little boys usually talk about with the violent and disturbing themes they have been exposed to is impressive.

    One suggestion for improvement could be to incorporate more specific and descriptive language to enhance the imagery of the poem. For example, you could use sensory details to paint a clearer picture of the backyard and the toys they play with, making the contrast between innocence and war even more impactful. Additionally, you may consider exploring the emotional impact on the boys when their conversations shift from innocence to screams. This could deepen the reader's understanding of the toll that exposure to violence takes on their young minds.

    Overall, "Playful Games of War" is a thought-provoking and emotive piece. Keep up the great work and continue to explore the themes you've touched upon in this poem.
     
    LikeReply11 months ago

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"Playful Games of War" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Nov. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/176814/playful-games-of-war>.

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Which of these famous poems is written in villanelle form?
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B Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening
C Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night
D Funeral Blues