Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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The Tragic Separation by War. The two of us were not anywhere near the war, Raging fiercely and cruelly, The rightful cause being justified by both sides. One of us is a devout and practicing believer, While the other is a Humanist, historian, Devoted to all life with no god. They had schooled together, performed music together, And then lost track for many activity-filled decades. One chose the military as a doctor (for refuge?) during Vietnam. The other fiercely opposed the war, declared a pacifistic stand, Ready to be a 'noncombatant', go to prison, or flee to Canada. At their fiftieth High School reunion, they met again and even later, At the capitol of Rhode Island, when the second Was presenting a hand-carved 'Tartan Stone' to that state. Communication began once again in earnest, Until it happened--the Gaza-Israeli War. Because of their backgrounds,beliefs, philosophies, and life outlook, Suddenly the two were not able to comfortably communicate And at 80 for both, they were drawn apart, Much as had occurred in our Civil War, Where, brother against brother, father against son, And mother against daughter's husband Divided once united and steadfast relationships. Humans, unfortunately, go beyond their fellow creatures Because they think--creating philosophy, politics, and religion-- All which can divide humans and of which Other creatures know nothing thereof. (Ok, you got me on the territory argument, if you wish to diverge.) (That's another 'Thought' coming out soon!-- 'A Mammalian (Human) Territorial Flaw'.) Frank Maurer 21 April 2024 1750 Hours.