By William Stafford, World BEYOND War, May 27, 2026
This is the field where the battle did not happen,
where the unknown soldier did not die.
This is the field where grass joined hands,
where no monument stands,
and the only heroic thing is the sky.
Birds fly here without any sound,
unfolding their wings across the open.
No people killed-or were killed-on this ground
hallowed by neglect and an air so tame
that people celebrate it by forgetting its name.
2 Responses
As an ardent anti-war activist, born in 1957, and having seen the damage done by wars that just should have never of been, I just loved your poignant imagery in this. You paint a picture of what I have wanted since I was a young child. Well done!
So peace-full. Thank you, William!