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Rachel Bentham

Rachel Bentham is a teacher, poet and novelist from Bristol, England. Her work is published widely in the small press. Her stories and dramas are often broadcast on the BBC.


War—the concise version

contention between people
                       this is how we begin  
                      
specific conflicts
armed hostilities

the “art of war”
                - it’s certainly not a science, is it?
                but doesn’t art create?

strategy and tactics
been in the wars?

war baby
war bride
war crime                   that which violates
international laws of war...                        
                            as if laws are effective
                            in wartime.

war cry
war of attrition
war of nerves
war grave

war weary, just hearing the words.


News from Iraq

Mars’ bloodshot gaze
considers the ‘peace’ –
more soldiers killed
than during the war.


Questions for Reflection: “War—the concise version” and “News from Iraq”
  
  1. What are the contentions in today’s world? 
  2. What do you think Bentham means by the title of her poem, War—the concise version?
  3. In your thinking, what is the difference between the “art of war” and the “science of war?” Is one better than the other? If so, how?
  4. Bentham speaks of war crime in her poem. How might war generally be considered a crime? What are some of the international laws of war? Historically and in today’s wars how have these laws been violated?
  5. Explain each of the words Bentham uses that follow the word “war.”
  6. How are you a victim of being “war weary?” 
  7. In “News from Iraq,” what is meant by “Mars’ bloodshot gaze?” 
  8. What is the contradiction in News from Iraq?