Poem "In Spite of War" by Angela Morgan

Angela Morgan (c. 1875 – January 24, 1957) was an American poet, an author and a journalist too. She employed traditional poetic forms and structures, but infused them with a directness and emotional intensity that resonated with a wide audience. This write up takes up her famous poem "In Spite of War" which carries message of hope and resilience on the face of conflict and adversity.

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

In the name of ALLAH, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Poem "In Spite of War" by Angela Morgan

Angela Morgan (c. 1875 – January 24, 1957) was an American poet. Her given name at birth was Nina Lillian, which she later changed to Angela. She was not only a poet but an author and a journalist too. Morgan's poems often feature bold declarations and exhortations to action, reflecting the spirit of optimism and progress that defined the Progressive Era in America. She employed traditional poetic forms and structures, but infused them with a directness and emotional intensity that resonated with a wide audience.

The famous poem "In Spite of War" is a poem by Angela Morgan that conveys a message of hope and resilience even in the face of conflict and adversity. The poem emphasizes that love, beauty, and the human spirit can endure and flourish despite the presence of war. The theme of the poem "In Spite of War" can be explained that life goes on despite terrible occurrences and it doesn't end till it ends. The poem highlights the resilience of nature and humanity persisting amidst the chaos of war. It ultimately conveys a message of hope and the importance of appreciating life even in challenging times.

In comparison to the author's other works, this poem is a departure from the more introspective and personal themes she typically explores. It is also a response to the tumultuous time period, the poem reflects the widespread despair and longing for peace during World War I. Poetry on the subject of the war may not necessarily be 'anti-war'. This poem is, however, about the very large questions of life: identity, innocence, guilt, loyalty, courage, compassion, humanity, duty, desire, death.

The poem "In Spite of War" by Angela Morgan uses personification to encourage finding beauty despite hardship. It has an ABBA rhyme scheme and describes how nature continues blooming despite war, with flowers and natural elements portrayed as human-like. The message can be derived as in spite of war, in spite of death, in spite of all man's sufferings, something within us shall laugh and sing; and we must praise with all my breath. The beauty and resilience of nature tell us that in spite of war, in spite of hate flowers like Lilacs keep blooming at the gate; and Tulips trip down the path.

The poem "In Spite of war" tells that although there is war, death, pain, hatred, rage, despair, guns booming, cannons blossoming, and nightmare, something offers the poetess hope and happiness, and she must laud these things with all of her might since they give her hope of life. The clouds are romping with the sea, And flashing waves call back to me. That naught is real but what is fair, that everywhere and everywhere a glory lives through despair. Though guns may roar and cannon boom, Roses are born and gardens bloom; My spirit still may light its flame At that same torch whence poppies came. Where morning's altar whitely burns Lilies may lift their silver urns In spite of war, in spite of shame. And in my ear a whispering breath, "Wake from the nightmare! Look and see; that life is naught but ecstasy; In spite of war, in spite of death!"

The poetess must laud these things with all of her strength because they offer her hope for life despite the presence of war, death, misery, hate, fury, despair, guns shouting, and cannons flowering. Lilacs make her happy, tulips are blooming next to the walking path, morning glory inspires bravery, and the daisy exhorts her to rejoice because God gave her life. When the poetess is inspired by the sight of pansies, life becomes incredibly lovely and optimistic.

The poetess is being called back by the waves and the cloud to leave her bleak situation since there is also splendor where there is sadness. War and death are inevitable, but roses will also bloom. There will be sadness, but there will also be joy. The poetess's soul will fan the same spark that causes the poppies to bloom. In spite of battle and death, the altar will sparkle with the sacrifices that were made. In spite of conflict and death, the poetess claims that she can hear hope telling her to get up from her nightmares and state of despondence.

Dear Readers! War happens due to a complex interplay of factors, including competition for resources and territory, religious and ideological differences, political motivations, and historical grievances. Sometimes, nations go to war because they perceive that the potential gains outweigh the costs, or because they believe there is no other mutually agreeable solution. Additionally, factors like unchecked interests of leaders, uncertainty about an opponent's resolve, and misperceptions can contribute to conflict.

Most wars are fought with the intention of beating the enemy and effectively imposing peace on the victor's terms. The war must have a just cause - eg against invasion or for self-defence - and not to acquire wealth or power. The war must be declared and controlled by a proper authority, eg the state or ruler. The war must be fought to promote good or avoid evil, with the aim of restoring peace and justice after the war is over. The war in effect is the failure of diplomacy or dialogue and reflects the narrowness of collective human intelligence.

Only during the current month of May 2025; two countries namely India and Pakistan came eye ball to eye ball and flexed the war muscles. Our hearts go out to the many in our world like Gaza Palestine and Jammu & Kashmir right now who have no lilacs to enjoy — those who are besieged, suffering, hungry, and oppressed by inhumane aggressors.

Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories. War does not determine who is right - only who is left. There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter. The most disadvantageous peace is better than the most just war. There was never a good war or a bad peace. It is possible to live in peace. It is easier to lead men to combat, stirring up their passion, than to restrain them and direct them toward the patient labors of peace.

However, wars do take place and the poem "In Spite of War" provides a defiant and hopeful message to oppressed people that evokes the resilience of life amidst the horrors of war. Despite the suffering and destruction, the humans shall find joy and beauty in nature; which remains cheerful and productive. The poem's delivered in simple language and rhythmic repetition; conveys a sense of determination and optimism for the readers and listeners. The poem's message of hope and resilience is particularly relevant in the context of war and conflict. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, beauty, joy, and life can prevail. Now let's read the poem.

The Poem "In Spite of War"

In Spite Of War

In spite of war, in spite of death,

In spite of all man's sufferings,

Something within me laughs and sings

And I must praise with all my breath.

In spite of war, in spite of hate

Lilacs are blooming at my gate,

Tulips are tripping down the path

In spite of war, in spite of wrath.

"Courage!" the morning-glory saith;

"Rejoice!" the daisy murmureth,

And just to live is so divine

When pansies lift their eyes to mine.

The clouds are romping with the sea,

And flashing waves call back to me

That naught is real but what is fair,

That everywhere and everywhere

A glory liveth through despair.

Though guns may roar and cannon boom,

Roses are born and gardens bloom;

My spirit still may light its flame

At that same torch whence poppies came.

Where morning's altar whitely burns

Lilies may lift their silver urns

In spite of war, in spite of shame.

And in my ear a whispering breath,

"Wake from the nightmare! Look and see

That life is naught but ecstasy

In spite of war, in spite of death!"