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Total War

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It’s bizarre that Eurovision,

That riot of drivel and camp,

Became a combatant in war:

Builders bopped to the Ukraine song.

Politicians of every sort

Are decked out in blue and yellow.

Hollywood types, shocked in their awe,

Enlist and worship at the shrine.

Lottery winners in hard hats

View body bags through telescopes.

Pray silence for the giant screen.

The working class shivers with cold.

Everyone has their part to play.

Is this what we call total war?

Ukrainewar

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Comments

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Stephen Gospage

Tue 7th Feb 2023 17:34

Thanks very much, KJ, Greg and Uilleam. Perhaps the tone of this poem appeared a bit cynical and I certain would never overlook the wonderful work being done by those welcoming refugees, doing volunteer work or donating. It is all part of the war effort. It may be that I am finding the war such a horrible business that I have difficulty writing about it in a completely positive way. But that's my problem, the people of Ukraine need our continued support.

The militarised aspect of Eurovision hadn't occured to me, Greg. In the case of Abba, it must be a good omen, I think. And hasn't Sir Cliff been entertaining the troops somewhere? I think we should be told.

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Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Tue 7th Feb 2023 10:02

The facilities in my local pub are excellent- What a loo!😕

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Greg Freeman

Tue 7th Feb 2023 09:54

Excellent poem, Steve. And then there is Abba ... their Eurovision hit, the one that brought them fame, named after a huge European battle.

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kJ Walker

Tue 7th Feb 2023 09:22

Excellent as usual.
Thank you for keeping this horrendous war in our thoughts.
As you say everyone has their part to play.
We are just observing from a safe distance, but we can and should do whatever we can.
So whether it's taking in refugees, attending fund raisers or just sharing on social media, we can all do our bit

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Stephen Gospage

Tue 7th Feb 2023 08:51

Thank you, Keith. I can only echo your comments.

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keith jeffries

Tue 7th Feb 2023 08:41

Stephen,
This poem has a theme of madness running through it which exposes all that is taking place in the Ukraine at this time. We all feel a part of it but do not experience the reality of it. War is insane. Surely the time has come for humanity to realise the utter futility of it.
An excellent and very topical poem
Thank you for this
Keith

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Stephen Gospage

Tue 7th Feb 2023 08:30

It take your point, Uilleam. A great deal of this 'Total War' is being waged by people who have no risk of ever being bombed or shot, but feel that they have to do their bit. Like writing poems about it, I suppose.
Not there's anything wrong with that!


And my thanks to Nigel, Frederick; Graham, John, Chris, K Lynn and Rudyard for liking this.

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Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Mon 6th Feb 2023 10:38

total war...........on sanity!

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