On Being Asked to Write a Poem Against the War in Vietnam…
““On Being Asked to Write a Poem Against the War in Vietnam Well I have and in fact more than one and I'll tell you this too I wrote one against Algeria that nightmare and another against Korea and another against the one I was in and I don't remember how many against the three when I was a boy Abyssinia Spain and Harlan county and not one breath was restored to one shattered throat mans womans or childs not one not one but death went on and on never looking aside except now and then like a child with a furtive half-smile to make sure I was noticing.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poet lists countless wars, showing endless human suffering and the futility of conflict.
In simple terms: War causes endless pain across history.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the cost of war and seek peace.
Themes
war
suffering
history
anti‑war
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
poetic
political
When to use this quote
- education
- activism
- peacebuilding
- memorials
Key Concepts
human cost
historical trauma
Questions to Reflect On
- What lessons can we learn from past wars?
- How can art inspire peace?
A Different Perspective
Poetry may romanticize suffering.