Question
The war continues working, day and night.
It inspires tyrants
to deliver long speeches
awards medals to generals
and themes to poets.
It contributes to the industry
of artificial limbs
provides food for flies
adds pages to the history books
achieves equality
between killer and killed
teaches lovers to write letters
accustoms young women to waiting
fills the newspapers
with articles and pictures
builds new houses
for the orphans
invigorates the coffin makers
gives grave diggers
a pat on the back
and paints a smile on the leader’s face.
It works with unparalleled diligence!
Yet no one gives it
a word of praise.
Who primarily benefits from war?
leaders
soldiers
lovers
laborers
It inspires tyrants
to deliver long speeches
awards medals to generals
and themes to poets.
It contributes to the industry
of artificial limbs
provides food for flies
adds pages to the history books
achieves equality
between killer and killed
teaches lovers to write letters
accustoms young women to waiting
fills the newspapers
with articles and pictures
builds new houses
for the orphans
invigorates the coffin makers
gives grave diggers
a pat on the back
and paints a smile on the leader’s face.
It works with unparalleled diligence!
Yet no one gives it
a word of praise.
Who primarily benefits from war?
leaders
soldiers
lovers
laborers
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The poem reflects on the multifaceted impacts of war, highlighting both its destructive and transformative aspects. It vividly portrays how war fuels ambition and power for leaders while simultaneously wreaking havoc on lives. The irony is palpable; despite its relentless productivity—fostering speeches, medals, poetry, and even industry—it remains unacknowledged and underappreciated.
When considering who primarily benefits from war, the answers are complex:
- **Leaders:** They often gain power, prestige, and control, using war as a means to mobilize national unity or suppress dissent.
- **Soldiers:** Some may find honor or a sense of purpose, while others become victims of the very conflicts they are enlisted in.
- **Lovers:** The emotional distance created by war may inspire writing and longing but also leads to heartache and separation.
- **Laborers:** Industries related to war may thrive,leading to job creation, yet those in war-torn areas might suffer from displacement and economic instability.
Ultimately, the question of who truly benefits is layered and subjective, as war yields advantages for some while devastating countless others.
When considering who primarily benefits from war, the answers are complex:
- **Leaders:** They often gain power, prestige, and control, using war as a means to mobilize national unity or suppress dissent.
- **Soldiers:** Some may find honor or a sense of purpose, while others become victims of the very conflicts they are enlisted in.
- **Lovers:** The emotional distance created by war may inspire writing and longing but also leads to heartache and separation.
- **Laborers:** Industries related to war may thrive,leading to job creation, yet those in war-torn areas might suffer from displacement and economic instability.
Ultimately, the question of who truly benefits is layered and subjective, as war yields advantages for some while devastating countless others.