The Disasters of War

By Bertolt Brecht

Lyric Poem
All of the images of the disasters of war Are horrifying. I look at the old man in the ditches, and I know It is my face I see in his: It is as if he were someone I knew in my youth. I look at the exhausted woman, and I know It is my sister I see in her, Her dress torn, her hair matted with blood. And I see the child, shot to death, And I know it is my own son. I see the ruins of the houses, And I know they are the houses of my people. I see the fires of war burning, And I know it is my house that is burning. I look at the naked corpses Thrown into the grave, and I know It is my own body that is being buried.
Written: 1944-01-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1944-01-01
Date Published: 1945-01-01
Language: German
Keywords: War, Disaster, Humanity, Destruction, Empathy
Source: Selected Poems
Publisher: Suhrkamp Verlag
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A powerful poem that highlights the universal impact of war, using vivid imagery to convey the shared humanity and the personal devastation experienced by those who suffer its consequences.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.