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​In response to Robert Nelson’s reflections on the absence of a reflective and pacifist monument in Australia, particularly one that transcends mere platitudes, I felt compelled to offer a counterpoint. While Nelson critiques the intertwining of peace and anger, lamenting the lack of a monument truly dedicated to peace, I argue that Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance stands as a living embodiment of the very ideals he seeks, honoring both the sacrifices made in war and the profound yearning for peace.

 

Rather than simply commemorating war, the Shrine stands as a testament to the costs of conflict and, implicitly, to the profound yearning for peace. The flickering torch atop the Shrine does not glorify violence but quietly illuminates the fragility of peace—one that is sought, mourned, and defended by every name carved into its walls.

 

In the face of war, it is not just soldiers that are remembered, but the collective grief, the lessons of sacrifice, and the solemn hope that peace can be preserved. Perhaps we need not seek new monuments, but instead deepen our understanding of the ones we already have.

 

These sonnets aim to reflect on this idea—that the Shrine already carries within its stone walls the story of both valor and peace, and that to warp its meaning would be to overlook the peace etched in every face.

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Already EnSHRINEed: With Tears for Peace

 

Is not our Shrine, a solemn torch held high,

A tribute to the fight against despair?

It flickers faintly, yet upon its hill it lights the sky,

A monument to war’s unspoken prayer.

 

For every stone that tells of soldiers brave,

It whispers too of peace we could not keep;

Each granite wall a silent, endless wave

Of sorrow, lapping at the lives it seeks.

 

Must we now twist the meaning, coil it tight,

To fashion monuments for those who hide,

And weave the war-torn into shades of right—

As though one cause could never stand with pride?

 

For here, within this hallowed, sacred place,

Dawn has brought me many a tear,

As Anti-war is carved in every face.

Let’s not disgrace; let’s find shared grace.

 

A Tribute to Valor

 

In every town, there stands a monument,

To honor those who fought for freedom’s call,

The brave who dared to stand, though often spent,

They faced the storm of war and gave their all.

 

These granite stones remind us of the price,

For hope was forged in blood, not born of ease;

They bear the weight of loss, a noble sacrifice,

In silent tribute, they bring us to our knees.

 

But shall we praise those who just stood aloof,

We’ll name this tribute Pathos Hērōs, right—

A mirror reflecting only what’s beneath, no roof,

Exposing shallowness best unseen, out of sight.

 

For valor, true, improves the greater good,

With joy that blooms where selfless heroes stood.

 

 

 

Commentary on Robert Nelson’s Anti-War Document:

 

“I would like to encourage readers to explore Robert’s cleverly constructed words, which offer a nuanced exploration of anti-war sentiments. While the narrative may at times feel more focused on intellectual critique than emotional resonance, this is to be expected. After all, who else would choose to dance within such a complicated song but he who rolls wit the intellectually elite?”