Poets logo

The Rotten Maw

An Ekphrastic Sonnet

By D. J. ReddallPublished about a month ago 1 min read
Hans Larwin, "Death Directs the Bullet," 1917

Behind the proud mask of heroism

War is only the rotten maw of death

Brooking no question or criticism

From the lungs of the skeptic, it gulps breath

https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/happy-skeleton-a3f3028abd154ce3804f8711c30d4f6c

The moldy silence of the tomb, it craves

Extinguished minds muster no resistance;

About victory and conquest, it raves

Ravenously eating all existence

War vomits propaganda on the truth:

The eye of the enemy is your eye

The tooth of the enemy is your tooth

The cry of the enemy is your cry

War depends on an ancient, stinking lie:

The false distinction between you and I

Sonnet

About the Creator

D. J. Reddall

I write because my time is limited and my imagination is not.

Enjoyed the story?
Support the Creator.

Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also pledge your support or give them a one-off tip, letting them know you appreciate their work.

Subscribe For FreePledge Your Support

Reader insights

Outstanding

Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!

Add your insights

Comments (7)

  • D.K. Shepardabout a month ago

    Such a strong piece! Really captured the devouring nature of war

  • Kenny Pennabout a month ago

    Wow this one is really Good D.J.! I especially loved the last lines. It’s never felt more true than today

  • Shaun Waltersabout a month ago

    A lot of great lines! Raves and ravenous felt very lyrical

  • Rachel Deemingabout a month ago

    War vomits propaganda on the truth: - what a line! D.J., this is timely as I wrote a microfiction yesterday which echoes this sentiment. One of my favourite war poets, Siegfried Sassoon, took pains to point out that it's just man killing man. I wish more could see it and its pointlessness.

  • angela hepworthabout a month ago

    Very powerful and timely. War is indeed the rotten maw of death!

  • Dharrsheena Raja Segarranabout a month ago

    This was so devastating and had so much truth to it!

  • Kodahabout a month ago

    This is a powerful critique of war as a destructive force that manipulates truth and perpetuates divisions among people!

D. J. ReddallWritten by D. J. Reddall

Find us on social media

Miscellaneous links

  • Explore
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Support

© 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.