With Wars Raging, Can Writers Save the world? It’s Worth a Try!

Futility (May 1918)
Wilfred Wilson is considered to be the greatest of all of WWI’s poets. His highlighting of the futility of war is as pertinent today as it were back then. We’d do well to listen.
Assignment: As an excercise, write an emotive scene around the idea of a fellow soldier suggesting to others around him that his fallen comrade be carried into a patch of sunlight to revive him. Handled well, this scene will generate a range of emotions that will be remembered forever.

[@Keith-zg6lx]

A relevant poem for our times; hopefully not all future times. Skilfully read, with a brilliant analysis. If this does not inspire would be writers, nothing will. Thank you, Stavros.

[@getwriting2204]

Thank you Keith. If only we could learn from history…

[@lucindasauer947]

What a versatile channel this is turning out to be! Thank you for all your growing content.

[@getwriting2204]

Thank you. I’m trying to offer more diverse material to writers.

[@gaelanwort1202]

Beautiful analysis of 'Futility.' Owen captures the heartbreaking contrast between the warmth of life and the cold indifference of death with such precision. His portrayal of hope slipping into despair feels especially poignant, a reminder of the senseless tragedy of war (unfortunately, still very relevant today...)

[@getwriting2204]

Thank you, Gaelan. Good to know that people still find value in poetry!

[@roblmurphy4135]

Well done sir. My story opens with a young girl devastated by the loss of her mother in Ukraine, but I want to show her grief through subtext, action, and a hint of backstory as I've learned from your excellent lessons.

[@getwriting2204]

Thank you, Rob!

[@alexlindbjerg]

It would be nice if the writing assignment was in the description

[@getwriting2204]

Yes. I’ll put it in now…😊

[@gerhardpistorius5207]

Wow. Very powerful. Very heavy. Not a fan of poetry in general. But this is pretty good.

[@getwriting2204]

I hear you, Gerhard. But given that we are at the precipice of expanded wars, it’s something to think about very carefully.

[@Bing_Soy]

Can metaphors improve dialogue or does it ruin it ?

[@getwriting2204]

Maybe less so in dialogue, but certainly in narrative summary figurative language is boon--if done well.