The Way It Is

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"The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting." - Sun Tzu
   

New life has begun, as amid the promise and hopefulness of Spring brews the hopelessness of more war. The Poets and Storytellers United prompt "write what you most need to communicate" resulted in my words below inspired by bleak events and the cold shrug from some in leadership to the suffering caused by "collateral damage". Even more disturbing than human indifference is learning that AI is being used to choose and strike targets in a very major way.
     
Explore more at Poets and Storytellers United, SKYWATCH and Saturday's Critters. 

Comments

  1. Sallie (FullTime-Life)March 5, 2026 at 11:02 AM

    I am so sad about it all and I envy your ability to put your feelings into words. Thank you for sharing them and also for the emerging spring beauty which brings some hope.

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  2. TomMarch 5, 2026 at 11:26 AM

    ...Maria, that fabulous crocus brighten my dank day, thanks!

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  3. an artist reflectsMarch 5, 2026 at 2:59 PM

    Your words are always a treasure here along with the beautiful photos ~

    as for the dimwit of a 'leader' we have ~ he is a poor excuse for a man much less a president ~ Ever hopeful here in MA ~ hugs

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  4. Spare Parts and PicsMarch 5, 2026 at 4:05 PM

    Your photos are beautiful. Love the way the spiderwebs catch the light!

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  5. JoyfulMarch 5, 2026 at 6:03 PM

    I love the trees in bloom and the sun that shines here from time to time. What's going on elsewhere, not so much.

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  6. Shiju SugunanMarch 6, 2026 at 12:55 AM

    A thoughtful and haunting poem. The small everyday details make the tragedy feel very real.

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  7. Rosemary Nissen-WadeMarch 6, 2026 at 3:58 AM

    I feel your anguished protest! And the contrast with your beautiful photos of our beautiful planet makes a strong emotional point, too.

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  8. Yogi♪♪♪March 6, 2026 at 7:54 AM

    Beautiful imagery and a great poem. It is galling how callous and cruel some people are about those who suffer from war. Leaders who say they are "willing to take the loss." When they are not going lose anything.

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  9. Rose PMarch 6, 2026 at 8:13 AM

    Powerful words and beautiful images. Seeing a robin is a certain sign of spring.

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  10. SumandebrayMarch 6, 2026 at 12:57 PM

    Nice poem - sad but powerful words. Softened with pretty images - loved it

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  11. MarjaMarch 6, 2026 at 2:53 PM

    A powerful poem of dreadful times It is unbelievable isn't it what is all going on. Than it is great that the beauty of nature is consistent. Enjoy your spring We started autumn here.

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  12. Jae RoseMarch 6, 2026 at 4:27 PM

    Your beautiful pictures act as a salve to your poem which is very powerful - Jae

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  13. AlexandraMarch 7, 2026 at 4:16 AM

    I find lately I need to focus more on "the way it is" with the birds and ducks, snow and sun. Doing so is a healthy escape! Look at your beautiful photos filled with spring, along with them I see hope!

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  14. shaun/tenzenmenMarch 7, 2026 at 5:42 AM

    Speaking truth to power doesn't seem to work anymore, sadly. Some folks are shameless.

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  15. eileeninmdMarch 7, 2026 at 8:46 AM

    Hello,
    I love the beautiful crocus! Your poem is powerful, war does fill us with hopelessness.
    I am sad we have a leader who is in love with power and money. The Spring blooms are a happy sight along with the cute Robin. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend.

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  16. Adam JonesMarch 7, 2026 at 9:01 AM

    Love that first shot of the Crocus open and in all its spendour.

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  17. Light and VoicesMarch 7, 2026 at 10:33 AM

    Poetry and spring flowers and robins bring HOPE to us all.

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  18. Yvonne OsborneMarch 11, 2026 at 9:30 AM

    Oh!! how they laugh and joke about war, "the American way". Well....not this American's. The day of his death will be a national holiday. As to the quote, sadly there are no "men" in charge with wisdom even remotely matching that of Sun Tzu's.
    p.s. I hope to see a robin like yours soon.

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  19. purplepeninportland.comMarch 12, 2026 at 5:35 PM

    Tragedy and power seem to go hand in hand.
    I love the quote you used.

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  20. DeniseinVAMarch 16, 2026 at 8:29 AM

    Your profound poem says it all. Thank you Maria, for the words and for these wonderful images. Your crocus is exquisite and your spiderwebs are nature’s lace, each image and word brings comfort to many of us out here.

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  21. Veronica LeeMarch 19, 2026 at 2:45 AM

    War steals so much, but your beautiful photos show that life and hope still bloom.

    ReplyDelete

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