Monologues (The War Horse Sessions): What Poetry Taught Me About Moving Past War
Dec 9, 2024
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Bill Glose, a Gulf War veteran and published poet, shares his transformative journey from silence to self-expression through poetry. He discusses how writing allowed him to confront the emotional scars of war, turning personal struggles into art. Glose highlights an open mic experience that led to healing and culminated in his poetry collection, 'Half a Man.' He also reflects on the profound themes of mortality and alternate realities, bridging the gap between warrior and civilian narratives in the aftermath of conflict.
The disconnect between military personnel and civilians highlights the importance of understanding veterans' sacrifices in order to bridge societal gaps.
Writing poetry served as a therapeutic outlet for a veteran, allowing him to confront and share his emotional struggles post-war.
Deep dives
The Impact of War on Daily Life
War profoundly influences various aspects of modern life, from healthcare access to environmental quality. Many American millennials have grown up in a context marked by ongoing conflicts, creating a disconnect between military personnel and civilians. This divide makes it easier to support militarization, as those who do not fight are often alienated from the realities faced by service members. Recognizing these issues is crucial for bridging the gap and fostering a better understanding of the sacrifices made by veterans.
The Healing Power of Poetry
Writing poetry served as a therapeutic outlet for a veteran grappling with the emotional aftermath of war. Through writing, he explored painful memories and mundane experiences, allowing him to confront feelings of fear, guilt, and shame that he had suppressed. Sharing his work at open mic events fostered a sense of community and acceptance, enabling him to connect with others who resonated with his experiences. Ultimately, publishing his collection of war poems became an act of reclaiming his narrative and sharing the complexities of his journey.
This month on Things That Go Boom, we’re passing the mic to three veterans to share their memories in their words.
In this first entry: When paratrooper Bill Glose came home from the Gulf War after leading his platoon, silence was his fortress. That all changed when a friend suggested he start writing poetry.
The story is part of a new partnership with the news site The War Horse. The site publishes real stories from veterans that look war in the eye, rough edges and all. If you haven't heard of them, be sure to check them out. And tune in all month for more monologues.