Rett

Sep 16, 2009 ⭐ View statistics (Premium feature)

That Bloody Sun

That Bloody Sun

He lay in the killing fields
As the vultures rode the sky
Breathing death into the air
While the wounded cry

Jagged wound in his chest
Bloody froth around the hole
He rises on shaky knees
But they will not hold

Bodies lying in the killing fields
Testify to mankind's greed
States Rights, the South cried!
More profits the North decreed!

Slavery's wrong, merchants cry
Pious looks upon their face
Not slavery but profit margins
Made the merchants push the race

There upon the killing fields
It matters not what they say
For the dying will not see
The light of one more bloody day

States Rights with slavery the side
North and South, a liar's game
That the Northern Merchant's won
Truth be told, both were to blame

The great proclamation of freedom
Freedom in states who would seceed
But they who stood with the Union
Allowed to keep bound by greed

All due to merciless corruption
With more pestilence to come
Enter now, the carpetbaggers
Vultures beneath that bloody sun

And thus the darkness of history
Lies like a blight upon the soul
Pious liars both north and south
Pretend remorse for lives they stole

— Rett, Sep 16, 2009

About This Poem

About the Author

Region, Country: Southern Texas, USA

Favorite Poets: Dickenson, Longfellow

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Critiques

themoonman

16 years 8 months ago

Rett...

well then... someone in the know, it was always about money and who had the most and just like now, those in power feel that human sacrifice is well worth the need to fill their pockets. It has been the shame of man since he learned he could lead others to overthrow and feel the victory from it, and damn the cost of lives. Richard

Rett

16 years 8 months ago

Right you are Richard

Greed actually sparked a good thing in this one, but make no mistake, it was greed that sparked it. Still the outcome was worth it. Should never have happened in the first place. I still have trouble believing people that wanted freedom from their masters turned around and enslaved others. Respectfully, Rett: "When I was born I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year and a half." Gracie Allen

Orphani

16 years 8 months ago

I think this is a powerful

I think this is a powerful work on the civil war but i just can't except such a cynicle view of circumstances. Greed most certainly contributed greatly to the conflict ,but to blame the merchants for the civil war takes a big leap of faith. Abraham Lincoln certainly didn't believe that he fought to preserve the union I think it is clear the war was fought over the Souths demand to extend slavery into the territories.........o

Rett

16 years 8 months ago

Being a bit of a history buff

I tend to disagree. The north could not compete with the south in the cotton markets because of that. One of the largest slave markets in the USA at that time was Boston Mass. and New Orleans was pretty prolific in it also. The Portugese were the foremost slave traders with Spain, England and the Netherlands. Read the Emancipation Proclamation and see which slaves were freed by it and which ones weren't. Pennsylvania, portions of Louisiana and several other areas were exempted because they weren't threatening to secede. Do I believe it was wrong? You dang right I do and if a lot of other people didn't there would never have been an underground railroad that saved many lives. That is why I wrote this poem. The cause of the Civil War (which was about as uncivil as it gets) should never have had to happen in the first place. The founders of our country were virtual slaves to the King in the first place and oppressed even worse when they got here. Why the Hell they would perpetrate it on someone else is beyond me. So damn stupid! Thanks so much for you comment and outlook. I always love to hear different views and insights. I appreciate it tons sir! Respectfully, Rett: "When I was born I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year and a half." Gracie Allen

Orphani

16 years 8 months ago

this comment is why i love

this comment is why i love you K. do what you do best.We are all enlightened.

Rett

16 years 8 months ago

Theo

I can't disagree there at all. Cheap labor, sweatshops, human trafficking is still prevalent all over the world, here included. Thanks man! Respectfully, Rett: "When I was born I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year and a half." Gracie Allen

Geezer

16 years 8 months ago

Civil?

I don't think there has ever been a civil war. I wish that man would learn that war to bring about our own beliefs, is not ever going to work. Today, more than 200 yrs. later, we are still fighting the war between the states. I have no doubt that merchants played a part in that war, but there were those that saw slavery as an abomination, and wished to end it. The belief that we have the right to enslave another, is wrong! Money is not the root of all evil, the love of money is the root of all evil. Gee

Rett

16 years 8 months ago

I have to agree Gee

There wasn't a damn thing civil about it or any other war. Good outlook there my friend! Respectfully, Rett: "When I was born I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year and a half." Gracie Allen

mantiscepter

16 years 8 months ago

Love And War

A tragic time in the growth of A nation. the poem was well written, and theme. was followed deeply into the corruptness that tainted the crimes of war already a travesty to the human side of this enigmatic ghost, of the past. Very nice. Manticcepter

Rett

16 years 8 months ago

thanks Mantiscepter

Dark times indeed. A tragedy that should never have occurred in the first place. Respectfully, Rett: "When I was born I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year and a half." Gracie Allen

lyz

16 years 8 months ago

Dear Rett

Loved the write, hate the content. i do not think I can ever learn to accept these sort of things that go on around us, before or now, and how many suffer through the greed of so many, being that of wealth or leadership.Your write is very passionate and eye opening for me. Thank u. Love Lyz. XX

Rett

16 years 8 months ago

Thank you lyz

The content has to be there, but I too dislike it myself. History is fascinating, but can also be downright terrible. Thank you very much for taking the time to read and comment. Respectfully, Rett: "When I was born I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year and a half." Gracie Allen

deelilah

16 years 8 months ago

Hello Rett

There is just as much greed and corruption going on now as ever, just in book smarter circles, in better haircuts and nicer suits, not as gory (that may or may not be true)---in the name of help the poor, or the children, or the animals. In the name of control through money and power, that's whose name it's in. Just look at the ACORN scandal. Someone here said we have a new form of slave. That is so true. And if the powers that be have their way, that will soon be you and me. The men and women who fight to keep us free are always the first to die and the last to complain. Why don't they get the respect, honor, and yes pay, that they deserve? 'There upon the killing fields It matters not what they say For the dying will not see The light of one more bloody day' In the above verse---That is what's true. The whole subject, then an now, attests to the fallen nature of mankind. And you being a PK know what I mean. Always, Deelilah

Rett

16 years 8 months ago

Deelilah, how very true

Thanks so much for not only reading, but also understanding the greater scope of it. I truly appreciate it. Nice to hear from someone who gets the whole picture. Respectfully, Rett: "When I was born I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year and a half." Gracie Allen

deelilah

16 years 8 months ago

Rett

I'm glad we agree. I was worried I might insult you with the PK comment--and wished that I had not said it. We agree on a lot of things. Check out my post: 'Bleeding Hearts.' Let me know what you think. On the political satire, I have more to come. I love your quote. It's funny, as was Gracie Allen. Deelilah

press

16 years 8 months ago

Dad sorry

Dad I wanted to take my time to read this one.I love this poem It's crazy outstanding superduperless I know that's not a word [crazy son smile]. This poem is a weave of history woven into today's politics. This poem reminds me of the American quilt that is made by all different people . LOV2U PRESS

Rett

16 years 8 months ago

Many thanks son!

I appreciate it. Like Dee, you get the whole picture. We who do not "learn" from history are doomed to repeat past mistakes. In a lot of ways right now, we are headed down the same path we did in the twenties and into the years leading up to WWII. If we can't stop it, we are in real trouble. In the historical aspect of it, I think it is the darkest time in American History. A time that should never have happened in the founding of this country. Very happy that you enjoyed and understood. Respectfully, Rett: "When I was born I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year and a half." Gracie Allen

DawningDaytripper

16 years 8 months ago

Hi Paw, That was really

Hi Paw, That was really good reflection of the civil, or as established "un-civil" war from the views of today pointing out the problems, on both sides. Of coarse at the time both sides thought it was worth fighting to the death over. Still happens in wars all over the world. Yes it is all very un civil for sure. Good read, Great flow. I am used to you taking more of a stand for one side or the other, from a story teller perspective. But you did explain exactly what the problem was, they were both wrong. Which is why history focuses on what good did come from it, even if it started as targeting the states who wanted to succeed. The end result and why it was prominent in the history books is, slavery WAS abolished. The eventually part is just not as easy to explain to the kids. Remember our schools are a huge part of the blame for all the inaccurate or incomplete half lessons of history. Julie D.D. T-minus.....

Rett

16 years 8 months ago

Julie, right you are

Our schools tend to distort history, sometimes on purpose, sometimes inadvertently, and as such our children do not get the whole picture. My favorite is how they treat the great depression and it's cause without covering what led up to the big crash and the reasons behind it. The good that came out of that war should never be forgotten, but also, the rest should not be ignored. I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. Thank you. Respectfully, Rett: "When I was born I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year and a half." Gracie Allen

Candlewitch

16 years 8 months ago

Dear Rett

I agree with all of Richards comments. Greed... what an ugly reason for doing anything, but when it is the motivation behind war, it becomes an abomination. I always find your poetry very interesting. Always, Cat

Rett

16 years 8 months ago

Thanks a lot Cat

Glad you find my offerings interesting. I try to stay diverse in my writings. Sometimes I write whimsical, serious, funny, odd, political, but I try, sometimes without success to be interesting or at least entertaining. Many, many thanks for you kind words. Respectfully, Rett: "When I was born I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year and a half." Gracie Allen