What do you think of this poem? & Does it meet the criteria for a certain style?

Question

The Philosopher

by Victoria Tarrani (99.04.15)

Once again I walked with Aristotle

beneath the shelter of those ancient trees.

With conviction he condemned the prattle

that peace was bought by love and charities.

"We make war so that we may live in peace"

the payment is blood too easily spent

by warriors in need of a kind release--

as war mongers stalk fiery armament.

"Man is by nature a political

animal" consumed by hope for power.

His assessment is more than critical

as presidents scream and victims cower.

There is no freedom, just numb angry fear

fleeing blazing homes for a cold frontier.

Answer 1

I never did get the hang of iambic pentameter.

You obviously hate war. Do you take comfort in the sayings of ancient philosophers and those who seem to have wisdom? Do you often daydream you are among those great minds discussing life with them? Aristotle probably did disagree with common thinking of his day, but did he actually condemn war? What an oxymoron that peace comes through war! No way. For example, did Jesus cause war? No, but He did (and still does) bring great peace. I'm not sure what you mean by the next two lines, but that's just because I'm not great with deciphering poetry. There's some truth to that seeking power. When put in power, people who are otherwise meek can become people their friends never knew. Critics have lots to say when presidents (and candidates) yell and declare great promises and have even more to say when presidents become too powerful or egotistical and the "little people" stand by and do nothing. Our government is supposed to be a democracy--for the people, by the people. So why is it one person against the majority? True there's the whole checks and balances thing which is probably more corrupt than some people would care to admit. I can step off my soapbox now (ahem). Those last two lines, are you saying it's like being under the Communist thumb and people are supposed to be robots doing as they're told while inside there's anger raging? And where can the people turn their anger?

Answer 2

It sounds great.  What do you mean by no responses??  ;)  I get poetry the way most people do, as the general public goes.  I am not English professor quality or anything.  But there are some good Yahoo groups and MySpace groups out there.  I'm sure you could find plenty if you checked it out.

I can tell you how to find them if you don't know how.  :)

Answer 3

the message of the poem is clear with alternating rhyme. it is more of a quatrain style.

Answer 4

You are so amazingly good.

I just started about 2 months ago, and I hope one day, I can come CLOSE to this. I am a huge fan of philosophy, and loved every moment, I felt like I was watching you walking and speaking with Aristotle.

Wow, just wow.

How do ya do it :p

Answer 5

Where is the stress in the syllables? Show these in bold type and you might see and feel the change in this poem. Brilliantly written of course, I expect nothing less.LOL

Answer 6

Was it Aristotle who taught Alexander to weep over what he had wrought?

Answer 7

I was so interested in the message I really didn't pay much attention to meter.

"Warmongers" is usually one word.  It seems a bit angrier than most of your work.  Was that intentional?

I rarely expound in Latin, but do you remember the line "Dulce et decorum est, pro patria mori?"  I doubt if I need to translate this for you.  If you have any Latin, Italian, French or Spanish you either know it or can figure it out.

A very famous and oft quoted Latin saying.

Answer 8

  As always I am consumed by your poetry...yet I must disagree with the second and third stanzas,  war is waged over power and wealth, I don't care what the news man told you...it's not for peace. And mans politics is not of nature, again it is the rich mans way to manipulate the masses into believing he is trying to help. I can only feel the pain you are trying so lovingly to express...and for that...I Thank You.