Every War Has Two Losers

Narrated by Linda Hunt, this powerful documentary—both horrific and beautiful—explores the intersection of poetry and war. Subtitled A Poet's Meditation on Peace, Haydn Reiss' documentary examines the journals and poems of William Stafford (1914-93), who once held the position now known as U.S. Poet Laureate. A conscientious objector who served on domestic work patrols during World War II, Stafford continued to examine related issues throughout his life, waking every morning before dawn to write about peace, humanity, and reconciliation before adjourning to teach the precepts of Gandhi to his students at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR. Stafford is seen here writing longhand in archival footage, while his work is read by many voices, including actor Peter Coyote, Robert Bly, W.S. Merwin, Coleman Barks, Naomi Shihab Nye, Alice Walker, Kim Stafford (William's son), and assorted children. It is impossible not to be moved by this portrait, as images of conflict and destruction from World War I through the Gulf War are interspersed with calm shots of nature and the reposeful faces of the presenters during the stirring readings. DVD extras include the hour-long 1994 PBS-aired documentary “William Stafford and Robert Bly: A Literary Friendship.” Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: C, P. (F. Gardner)