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What really stood out to me about this poetry was how fearlessly LEE MARACLE expressed her ideas and didn't hold anything back. It sounded like a really honest poem, with nothing the author would be reluctant to share. This poetry makes me wonder, among other things, exactly who the intended audience is. Is the purpose of this communication, which discusses aggressive and inappropriate behavior, to be amusing? It sounds like this person had to or is going through a significant shift with herself or an event, and she must regretfully accept it, which makes me feel both sad and dissatisfied.

The title, in my opinion, is ideal because this poem occasionally conveys the desire to be both deeply saddened by the loss of a loved one and furious with those who kill others.

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I deeply connect with this poem, particularly because I'm an immigrant who has recently settled in Canada. The poem takes us on a journey through the author's intricate ancestry and their personal identity. The title "War" hints at the internal struggle one faces in reconciling various aspects of their identity. As I read through the lines, I could sense the pain and inner turmoil the author grapples with, which resonated with my own experiences.

The poet's diverse heritage is a prominent theme in the poem. References to their Gallic, Salish/Cree, and Mediterranean roots serve as a powerful metaphor for the rich mosaic of cultures that shape the author's background. This diversity speaks to me as someone who has embarked on a similar journey of cultural adaptation.

The poem is a personal revelation, allowing the reader to gain insight into the author's profound struggle to come to terms with their heritage. The emotional depth and vivid imagery in the lines evoke a strong sense of empathy in the reader.

The poem's culmination is a heartfelt plea for peace and unity. This resonates deeply with me, as it highlights the universal need for these values, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.

In essence, "War" is a moving and thought-provoking piece that encourages readers to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and the importance of unity, regardless of where we come from or where we now call home.

rishi patel

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Lee Maracle's poem "War" struck me with its exploration of identity, heritage, and the reconciliation of cultural influences. It raises questions about the complexities of cultural identity and the enduring impact of historical injustices. The poem is acknowledging the darker aspects of history while expressing a commitment to positive change. The title "War" suggests both internal and external conflicts, adding depth to the poem's themes. It evokes a mix of emotions, including introspection, empathy, and hope for a more just and equitable world.

: - Ankush Kumar

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Lee Maracle's poem "War" talks about her mixed heritage, with roots in both European and Indigenous cultures. The title "War" hints at the inner conflict this mix can create.

She describes her background with contrasting images, like tough European history and the gentle Indigenous ways. It shows how these different backgrounds can clash and affect her identity.

What struck me most about Lee Maracle's poem "War" is this poem reflects her determination to acknowledge the tough parts of her history while still holding onto the humanity within it. The earthquakes and grapes symbolize the struggle for understanding and comfort in her identity. The acknowledgment of a heritage marred by exploitation and violence, yet still holding onto its humanity, is a powerful and thought-provoking aspect of the poem. It strikes me as a deeply personal and courageous expression of the poet's journey to reconcile her different cultural influences and the call for a more harmonious world, free from oppression.

In simple terms, the poem made me feel empathy and think about the importance of acknowledging our past while working towards a better and more peaceful future. It's about accepting our complex backgrounds and striving for a world without violence and injustice.

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The poem deeply resonates with me. It's a journey through her diverse heritage and identity, which I relate to, having moved to Canada a few years ago. The title "War" hints at an inner battle to reconcile one's identity. As I read, I felt the pain and inner conflict she grapples with, and it moved me. I'm left wondering about her diverse heritage and its influence on her. The poem is a personal revelation that ends with a strong call for unity and peace, which we all need, no matter where we come from.

- Daniella Nuevos

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This poem deeply explains the complexity of heritage and identity through the author's own experience. The journey into the past paints a moving picture of lineage, pain, resilience and change. (Nuket)

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My first reaction to reading the Lee Maracle poem was I felt the authors soul and her deep connections to her feelings. What struck me was how she said what she meant, the deep cut-throat words were her expression. I saw the beautiful aspects of the Indigenous culture, and then I saw our effect on it. It made me feel so angry and sad at the same time, it feels personal in a way, not that I have felt this, but I can understand to a certain extent. She took that anger and turned it into something beautiful, something I probably wouldn’t/couldn't do. The title "War" is fitting for the situation, the scenario for Indigenous peoples since contact has been a war, they are constantly fighting for their land, their connection, their rights and their peace. -GS

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What struck me in this poem was how LEE MARACLE wasn't afraid to express her thoughts and not hold anything back. It sounded like a very truthful poem with nothing the writer is afraid to hide. Some questions this poem raises for me is who is the exact audience? Is this supposed to be a pleasant message talking about violent and poor behavior's? It makes me feel so sad but at the same time very disappointed as it sounded like this person had to or is going through a major change with herself or and event and has to accept it unfortunately. I think the title is perfect because at times this poem seems like wanting to be angry for those who killed people but at the same very sad for the loved ones people lose.

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Lee Maracle’s “War” is a striking poem that brings out raw emotions from the reader. The poem starts off with the topic of violence and bloodshed from colonization, but as it progresses I can see that Lee Maracle has decided to transform this narrative for herself and has chosen to not only accept this as part of her history, but to embrace hope born from suffering.
After reading the poem, I interpret the title "War" as a reflection of the internal war that an Indigenous person goes through while processing the pain of having their land stolen and their culture destroyed but deciding to use this as fuel to move forward and fight to keep their culture alive.

Sharon Chavez

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Powerful Words to Reflect on – Thoughts on War

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Powerful Words to Reflect on – Thoughts on War

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The poem's overall sense of suffering struggle was what first caught my attention. This poem, in my opinion, gives a variety of perspectives and expresses hardship in several ways. Lee's upbringing was difficult, and she feels that it is terrible. The struggle to cope as well as the fight to find the will power to keep going. She struggles with the fact that she can't forget her blood is tainted. The title, in my opinion, can refer to both the real war that Indigenous peoples wage daily and the battle that may be raging inside Lee's head.

Lysandra Mahendran

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Lee Maracle's poem is very brave and straightforward for me. It is admirable that she brings a confident tone in revealing her story about the truth in the past. I feel her strong commitment in re-writing history and her vision towards change. The poem is a creative way of calling for action.

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My thoughts on the poem 'War by: LEE MARACLE' 

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My thoughts on the poem 'War by: LEE MARACLE' 

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Something that struck me was how bold some of the words that were used, such as the word 'rape.' It makes me wonder how awful it must have been for them if these are the words that were used. While reading the poem, it made me feel somewhat uncomfortable and stomach-turning because of the description that was given. An example of this would be, 'Can I deny a heritage blackened by the toil of billions, conceived in rape, plunder, and butchery?' What I make of the poem's title is that it represents what happens throughout the poem. I feel this way since it starts off calm, and then the pace picks up as you continue to read through. I find the poem very interesting in the way it describes what so many people had gone through.

John Basinashvili