Poems of War Love and Life

Are there huge differences in the ways in which we, the human race, go about living our lives? How is it the Warrior, whose profession is killing others, can say, "I shall dance"? Although we love life, we constantly and systematically end the lives of others through War or less-organized means. War is grandiose, yet horrible for its participants. Killing of others continues, independent of War.

Perhaps the most prized of all human emotions is Love. We can use endearing terms such as "When God released Love, it was you." But do we nurture and care for Love as it deserves?

While Love can be the highest experience of living, we steadily end the lives of others while clinging to life ourselves. Why? Perhaps this terrible knowledge is best expressed by the most beautiful language we have - that of poetry.

Ray Clark was a paratrooper, an Army Ranger, and a combat helicopter pilot. As a Regular Army officer, he served two one-year tours flying helicopters and commanding troops in Vietnam. After resigning from the Army in 1973, he worked as a commodity broker in Atlanta, Georgia, and Nashville, Tennessee. Clark is the author of Just Let Me Walk Away, a compelling story of his days in Vietnam. Now retired and living in Nashville, he continues to write, oversee investments and dance ballroom.