War Zone Angel: Connecting Death, Space, Reentry and Work

To open my heart to joys I had to soar

Above the deadly peaks of jagged fears

Climbed by some, devouring others whose

Ribs crush into the void of the seas

Like withered stones off the cliffs

 

Yet I am carried by the wings spurred from my arms

Feathery dreams of bliss in this void-free space

They are my mast of true love against the beasts

Wailing loud their wicked storms of judgements

I sail over to the unsafe lands of lost mothers

Unafraid where others are overcome by the toil

 

Their burning fields incinerate naive curious minds

Into the ashes of hope falling in awe to my palms

Open to offerings, I receive the alms of honour

From the abundant in loving, not envy, hate and egos

Humbled I bow deep to their fearless knees

To share our resolved, vulnerable hearts, dark souls

Because I know my truth and the cost of valour —

Only integrity saves our fragmented selves 

Becoming one with the pointed quiver

Shivering, anticipating to meet your core

See the light even in the stone

Just don’t be someone you’re not, rather

Claim space through the expanse of love

~Joy

Connecting meaning in War Zone Angel

The War Zone Angel poem is about legacy, honour, inner peace, space, integrity, love’s power, greedy wars, happiness and unrelenting harshness of life, but also about choices we can make to escape the seemingly inevitable. Since everything changes, our circumstances, attitude, and ultimately joy from being alive can change too. The power within us is greater than we may believe in, so trust it, believe in yourself snd connect openly with others! Through love one climbs not just the mountains, one’s heart soars in this very life, not after it is over. Once any kind person dies, it is too late. Live in truth and you will be rewarded now deep in your heart.

Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Ukraine, Mali, Ethiopia, Yemen and other current armed conflicts echo in some of my stanzas. And so are other countries and regions struck by the wreck of war. Vain power games in some cases cost thousands, even millions of innocent lives. While change would be welcomed by many citizens of these unfortunate lands, the horizon is blurred by continuing violence and chaos. The best weapon though is love. If one has to die for it, one departs with honour.

I believe that women must play a decisive role in expanding love. Men need to open themselves unafraid and give back (Haruki Murakami poignantly alerted me on this issue). If we are to connect and benefit mutually, then we must become fearless in sharing love. Connecting not conflicting but only in truth.

I do not write many political poems and the War Zone Angel is not meant to be politicised. It is a free expression of what can benefit those suffering through unnecessary long armed conflicts.