The Battle Within – A Poem
The challenge over at dVerse Poets Pub today is to write about war. As I was reading the prompt, a song came on my iPod (on shuffle) about the war between sinner and saint within each of us. And it just so happens that last night at my Bible Study Fellowship class we discussed the war between the Amalekites and the Israelites. So I decided to bring it all together and get to the root of war, which is pride.
The Battle Within
The great battle rages
throughout the ages
Pride brought war to the table
with Cain versus Able
Self became king
my right to my things
Love turned cold
as ego grew bold
Witness the Amalekites
against the Israelites
For the sake of arid land
in a desert of sand
But it’s the battle within
that rages against sin
This is where it all started
when we became hard hearted
Witness cruel ISIS
a great global crisis
We seek human solutions
to their persecution
The answer to war
lies in humility, not more
fighting with pride
unless we fight what’s inside
But the battle is won
if we look to the Son
At last peace will reign
when He comes again
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I agree with you that ISIS is so cruel: worse than most wars, I think.
Born to Strife and Contention
love the end to this battle
Me, too. 🙂 Peace, Linda
Yes, the hardest battles come from within…
This was really good. I really liked how you showed that the battle has been the same from the beginning of time until now, and how the remedy is also the same. It tugs at the heart, too.
I haven’t written nearly as many poems as you have. I have only written a few, but many of them are about inner conflict, and that the Lord is one source of true peace whose love never fails. That is probably why I identified with this poem and liked it so much.
Blessings,
Theresa
I meant to say that the Lord is “the” one (and only) source of true peace. Sorry about that.
I didn’t even notice the error. 🙂 It was such a nice thoughtful comment. Peace, Linda
Great insight into the human condition and the death that pride brings. I love the biblical references and, yes, the Son is where we get true peace. Well done.
“The answer to war
lies in humility, not more
fighting with pride
unless we fight what’s inside”
That’s the crux of humanity – so much said with so fewer words, very well done – a powerful note.
Thanks. That’s what I love about poetry – it forces me to try to capture big concepts with fewer words than I would use in an essay. Peace, Linda
As I’m reading this poem. I feel as if it can be turn into music.
Have you ever thought about turning this creative and beautifully piece into music? Brilliant and honest.
“Pacifism is objectively pro-fascist. This is elementary common sense. If you hamper the war effort of one side, you automatically help out that of the other. Nor is there any real way of remaining outside such a war as the present one. In practice, ‘he that is not with me is against me’.”
― George Orwell
I don’t write music – really can’t even sing on tune very well. I do love music but it’s not my gift. If someone else ever wanted to turn any of my poems into a song, though, that would be fine with me. 🙂
I love the Orwell quote. Sometimes we are compelled to fight just to keep the peace. Peace, Linda
At last peace will reign… sooner than later, I hope.
Sooner would be okay with me, too. But I’m thankful that peace reigns in my own heart even now. Peace, Linda
Agreed, good reminder.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving such an encouraging comment. Peace, Linda
Or as Alexander Solzhenitsyn said: ” the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being” .. we have it all within us.. pride, envy… to let the good rule means to be inclusive…
I love this. I agree with the sentiment
“The answer to war
lies in humility, not more”
Absolutely brilliant. Rap to it over a beat and you’ve got something wonderful and essential there.
Well, I don’t rap or write music, but if you can come up with a beat to go with it maybe we could have a chart topper. 🙂 Peace, Linda
i think all of our conflicts begin with that battle within…and which ever side wins is the one that determines our actions…and the course of our history….humility is def key
True, Linda, I think a lot of world problems could be solved if people would maintain an attitude of humility rather than superiority!
I agree that we often have to fight our own inward battles, Linda. Being humble is certainly one of the keys.