Afterword…from the book
I’ve had several people comment that the afterword to Poems from the Battlefield is interesting, that it provides a different kind of context and that I should post the text here.
I’ve thought it over quite a bit and have balked. As I organized the pieces for the collection, I vacillated between having an introduction, a preface or an afterword. I decided on the afterword because I believe poetry should be able to stand on its own, without the analytical assistance of the author. I wanted readers to enter the book with only their tabula rasa, allowing the words and photos say what they will.
Perhaps it is contradictory, then, that I have agreed to post the latest version of the afterword here and that I also have posted analyses of the poems here. I justify my decision by noting the afterword is rather brief and that it doesn’t give away the entire book–no commentary should ever be able to do that to poetry or art.
The analyses on these pages also do not offer the crafted messages–the actual poetry–meant to strike a chord in the psyche as no other genre can.
And of course, the book’s photography and quotes are not represented on this website.
Should I ever come out with another edition of the collection, I would once again re-write the afterword but call it a foreword, as is more traditional in second editions.
I doubt I would attempt a second edition, though, because then I would feel compelled to revise the poems…for the x-th time.
It is far too easy for me to get stuck in cycles of endless revision, when what I really need to say is, “Okay. This is the end. This piece is done…for now.”
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Afterword
Though the context is historical, and though the parks and monuments referenced honor soldiers who died more than a century ago, Poems from the Battlefield is an exceedingly present, personal collection operating on several levels: the literal, the historical, the sociological, the psychological and the metaphorical.
Many of these poems are my attempt to reconcile the incongruity between fighting for national values and the deliberate killing of neighbors and loved ones. I have thrust myself into unknown characters—fighters, civilians, nurses, families, friends—because that is the only way I know how to truly connect with history. And even after having written these poems, donning imagined costumes of our ancestors, I cannot fathom how as a country we could have allowed ourselves actually to war with one another.
In some poems, you will see relationships between the past and the present, our historic struggles with our current domestic climate and the fear that prevents us from being our best selves. You will read a few reflections on visiting battlefield parks and hopefully understand how those visits still are such relevant springs of learning.
And you will see violence and anger and torture, because those are what war is about.
These were the themes most difficult to express, because these were my connections to a personal battlefield, my experiences with violence, crime, PTSD, manipulation, harassment, mismanaged mental healthcare and depression. Editing and publishing these pieces have been exercises in pain and courage, sadness and catharsis, hurting and healing. But even with all this, I know my suffering measures not even a minute to the years of pain our civil conflict caused.
There were many times I thought of abandoning this project all together—too personal, I thought. Too poorly written. Too liable to bring up history I do not wish to recall.
But there is a difference between recalling and re-living.
We must always recall.
We must never re-live.
Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt
June, 2009
Preserving battlefields means preserving history as well as the environment. Battlefields offer opportunities for learning, communing with nature and exercise. It’s a win-win for everyone–including wildlife.
See this important call to action from the Civil War Preservation Trust.
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Reminder To: Friends of Battlefield Preservation
As we have previously informed you, the Department of the Interior is seeking citizen input for the “America’s Great Outdoors” initiative — a program designed to promote land conservation and reconnect all Americans to our rich outdoor heritage. You can learn more about this exciting proposal through the Department of the Interior’s website.
The Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) has proposed that battlefield preservation be a key element of this outstanding conservation initiative. For more than a year, CWPT has encouraged senior administration officials to use this opportunity to commit resources for preservation of the nation’s remaining unprotected battlefield land as a lasting legacy of the Civil War Sesquicentennial (2011–2015).
If you have not already done so, we ask that you please take a few moments to express your support for the protection of our nation’s endangered Civil War battlegrounds. Making your voice heard is easy – just take a few moments to provide feedback at the America’s Great Outdoors website. For those who have already visited the website and voted for CWPT’s post, please feel free to also create your own post on the America’s Great Outdoors website.
When you visit the website , be sure to vote “promote” for battlefield preservation and offer your own personal thoughts on why this should be an Administration priority. Here are a few points you may wish to consider including:
• Preserved Civil War battlefields are tangible links to a defining moment in our nation’s history.
• The 150th anniversary commemoration is expected to stimulate renewed interest in the conflict and generate unprecedented tourism to Civil War sites.
• Preserved battlefields revitalize local economies and create jobs by encouraging heritage tourism. In addition, preserved battlefield lands also save localities money by not requiring the use of sewer and other city/county services.
• Cultural and historic resources, such as battlefields, foster a sense of community and improve quality of life. They are a source of pride for communities.
• Time is of the essence for preservation of Civil War battlefields and other historic parks in the eastern part of the United States. Many of these parks are in urban and suburban areas, where development pressures are considerable.
• Preserved battlefields provide environmental benefits including protection of watersheds and wildlife habitats.
In addition, if you represent a Civil War Roundtable, preservation organization or battlefield friends group, please consider submitting formal comments on behalf of your organization by sending an email to ago@ios.doi.gov. Thank you to the groups who have already submitted comments.
Please take a few moments to vote and reiterate the need for support of battlefield preservation in the Administration’s conservation and recreation agenda — just a few clicks of your mouse can have a big impact!
Thank you for your ongoing support and for considering this request.
Cordially,
Jim Campi
Civil War Preservation Trust
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The Civil War Preservation Trust | 1156 15th Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20005 | (202) 367-1861
Check Out “Comparison Poetry” Again
I would like to draw your attention back to this post where one commentator has taken the time to bring out some important and different aspects of that discussion.
Thank you, Nick, for your insights.
PayPal $24 to katherinegotthardt@ poemsfromthebattlefield.com