The poem “The Diameter of the Bomb” written by Yehuda Amichai is a commentary on the extensive sorrow that war causes. War is channeled down to one of its destructive elements in this poem - a "bomb." The big topic or grand theme of War is brought to light by examining closely what one of the implements or tools of war can do.

Therefore, Yehuda Amichai ponders a mechanical object, a bomb, and how it touches individual lives and society as a whole. He begins by giving the reader the bomb’s diameter and the “diameter of its effective range.” This is a matter-of-fact almost reportorial description of the bomb. This description is akin to a student learning about the characteristics of a bomb in an engineering class or something like that. This description is void of emotion or preaching.

However, the power of this poem is not in the physical description of the actual bomb. The poem’s power is in how the poet describes the lives affected by the horrific force of the bomb.

He talks of hospitals, a graveyard, a dead woman, and one who is mourning the death of the women. Many lives are touched by this bomb and the havoc and pain it has wreaked on the earth.

In addition, the poem talks of orphans. Children are left fatherless and motherless due to war. This travesty can make one ask where God is in times like this. The poet talks of God’s throne and also what he perceives as no answers from God. Nonetheless, it is man who is responsible for his own terrible actions against man.

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