As many of you may know, the Star Spangled Banner was written on September 14, 1814 by Francis Scott Key. September has an eventful month in human history with many prominent occasions to note. It can difficult to decide for which to account on a weekly basis. Yet, I still wished to write something about the War of 1812 or Francis Scott Key before September’s end. This haiku series was one I produced while pondering the motivations for the War of 1812 and the course it took.
Tensions flaring high
Bitter resentment abound
Conflict is brewing
Honor under threat
Petty disputes festering
Life disrespected
Souls taken adrift
Stolen by the enemy
Madness rules the sea

Battle lines are drawn
One shot will set them ablaze
Peace is to be lost
The world in peril
An empire on the march
All to be undone
Once more into fire
Freedom threatened once again
Liberty at risk

Losses unmeasured
A fate brought upon ourselves
Darkness we conjured
Yet hope always looms
Victory is never far
A path forged in strength
The goals unattained
Dust settles where it first flew
Nothing changed for good

Peace returns once more
The fury of war subsides
A new era comes

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