Poets Against War continues the tradition of socially engaged poetry by creating venues for poetry as a voice against war, tyranny and oppression.

Penny Harter

63 years old

I am in my early sixties. I've taught high school English for many years. Most recently before that in Santa Fe Preparatory School. I write to bless the Earth and all creatures who share it. I write for my children and grandchildren and the peace I hope they inherit. Most recent books are Buried in the Sky, Lizard Light: Poems from the Earth, Turtle Blessing, and Stages & Views.

Of Robin and Soldier

I watch this morning's robin
hopping on new spring grass,
head bobbing to listen
for a worm, feathers ruffling
in the early warmth.

He hops through a field of light,
framed by his accidental placement
on a planet near a star.

I watch this morning's soldier
crawling across desert sand,
head bobbing to focus
on the enemy, eyes blinking
in the unforgiving wind.

He crawls through a field of light,
framed by his accidental placement
on a planet near a star.

Tonight, the robin
will sleep on a branch
while the soldier lies down
in his tent.

Soon, the robin will fly
into the soldier's dream
dangling the promise
of a worm,

and the worm will understand
the promise.

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