violence

We are left speechless by man's inhumanity to his fellow man, to his brothers and sisters and their children. This collection includes poems about the Holocaust, Auschwitz, Hiroshima, Gaza, terrorism and 9-11, war, and other forms of human violence...

Speechless at Auschwitz
by Ko Un
translation by Michael R. Burch

At Auschwitz
piles of glasses
mountains of shoes
returning, we stared out different windows.

***

These are War poems and Anti-War poems, including a hymn for fallen soldiers and poems I wrote about 911 and its aftermath. 

Hiroshima Shadows
by Michael R. Burch

Hiroshima shadows ... mother and child ...
Oh, when will our hearts ever be beguiled
to end mindless war ... to seek peace,
                                     reconciled
to our common mortality?

***

Looking over the balcony of my sculpted,
storied building, I sit content,
taking in the balmy, breezy air, 
soaking in the scenery of this famed
destination
The camaraderie on the ancient streets, 
the smiles, the banter; 
Ina kwana? (how was your night?)
Ina gejiya! (hope it was restful?)
Barka da zuwa! (welcome back)
 
I am proud of the city's diversity; 
the clasping of hands, the curtsies,
the fashion, the blend of cultures,
of peoples and destinies!
This is the liberal state!