SIEGE OF LENINGRAD 1941-44
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I watched my MaTb and OTeU starve
Wishing they were dead
I loved them both with all my heart
But needed more their bread.
Comments
The history of events in Leningrad is a salutary lesson of what
horror can be unleashed in war, yet in itself a "sideshow" - a
dreadful outcome of aggression being confronted and resisted.
We, the generational people of these islands, have our own
history down the centuries and have been open to the need to
offer help to others along the way - within our capability to do
so. War without limitations is deadly dangerous and so is the
aggressive abuse that can arise and seek dominance in peacetime. Avoiding both is the ultimate essential good sense. But it seems that conflict for one
reason or another is a regular disease in the tale of human existence and survival.
Multum in Parvo, Stephen, as they say in Rutland.
Succinct, with a slap in the face. đź‘Ź
Thankyou, Uilleam and David. And Stephen for the Like.
It’s reckoned over 1.5m Russians died in the siege of Leningrad, most from starvation. Cannibalism was commonplace.
Hi John,
The horror that lies behind the words you have written opens a vast chasm which is painful to peer into.
Your reading is excellent. It is challenging to read such words in a fitting way. Pace, breathing and tone are important factors which lend to integrity. I struggle with reading my scribbles aloud so appreciate when I hear people get it right.
For anyone who might be interested in the repetitive and often hypocritical nature of war and judgements thereof, there is an excellent documentary series on BBC 4 (iplayer) called "The Corridors of Power". Although it focusses heavily on US foreign policy in recent history it highlights international intransigence and our own culpability in the suffering of millions.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0020xmq/episodes/guide
I found it fascinating, especially accounts of conflicts I had been involved in. Seeing our stupidity from a distance is revelatory, although I know many of those involved saw much stupidity at the time. It's a shame that politicians don't have their offices moved to the front lines in such times. It might change their understanding of their actions and decisions.
Excellent short poem John, straight to the point!
David RL Moore
Thu 12th Sep 2024 09:58
I've expressed myself badly John...no offence intended.
I should have primarily referred to those who are currently hate-mongering, and promoting such ideologies; it's happening right under our noses as we speak.
There's clearly a hierarchy of racism in British politics which is allowing those horrors to repeat themselves...we close our eyes to it at our peril.
What would have been your alternative, Uilleam? To allow Nazism to roll unopposed across Europe?
Thu 12th Sep 2024 08:25
Thanks John.
Those who hypocritically and self-righteously indulge in "manufacturing consent for war" should reflect on the horrors you describe.
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John Coopey
Sat 14th Sep 2024 08:50
Thankyou MC.