第1章
PoemsbyWilfredOwenWithanIntroductionbySiegfriedSassoonIntroductionInwritinganIntroductionsuchasthisitisgoodtobebrief。
Thepoemsprintedinthisbookneednopreliminarycommendationsfrommeoranyoneelse。TheauthorhasleftushisownfragmentarybutimpressiveForeword；this，andhisPoems，canspeakforhim，backedbytheauthorityofhisexperienceasaninfantrysoldier，andsustainedbynobilityandoriginalityofstyle。AllthatwasstrongestinWilfredOwensurvivesinhispoems；anysuperficialimpressionsofhispersonality，anyrecordsofhisconversation，behaviour，orappearance，wouldbeirrelevantandunseemly。Thecuriositywhichdemandssuchmorselswouldbeincapableofappreciatingtherichnessofhiswork。
Thediscussionofhisexperimentsinassonanceanddissonance（ofwhich~StrangeMeeting~isthefinestexample）maybelefttotheprofessionalcriticsofverse，themajorityofwhomwillbemorepreoccupiedwithsuchtechnicaldetailsthanwiththeprofoundhumanityoftheself—revelationmanifestedinsuchmagnificentlinesasthoseattheendofhis~ApologiaproPoemateMeo~，andinthatotherpoemwhichhenamed~GreaterLove~。
TheimportanceofhiscontributiontotheliteratureoftheWarcannotbedecidedbythosewho，likemyself，bothadmiredhimasapoetandvaluedhimasafriend。HisconclusionsaboutWararesoentirelyinaccordancewithmyownthatIcannotattempttojudgehisworkwithanycriticaldetachment。Icanonlyaffirmthathewasamanofabsoluteintegrityofmind。Heneverwrotehispoems（assomanywar—poetsdid）tomaketheeffectofapersonalgesture。
Hepitiedothers；hedidnotpityhimself。Inthelastyearofhislifeheattainedaclearvisionofwhatheneededtosay，andthesepoemssurvivehimashistrueandsplendidtestament。
WilfredOwenwasbornatOswestryon18thMarch1893。HewaseducatedattheBirkenheadInstitute，andmatriculatedatLondonUniversityin1910。
In1913heobtainedaprivatetutorshipnearBordeaux，whereheremaineduntil1915。DuringthisperiodhebecameacquaintedwiththeeminentFrenchpoet，LaurentTailhade，towhomheshowedhisearlyverses，andfromwhomhereceivedconsiderableencouragement。
In1915，inspiteofdelicatehealth，hejoinedtheArtists’RiflesO。T。C。，wasgazettedtotheManchesterRegiment，andservedwiththeir2ndBattalioninFrancefromDecember1916toJune1917，whenhewasinvalidedhome。
FourteenmonthslaterhereturnedtotheWesternFrontandservedwiththesameBattalion，ultimatelycommandingaCompany。
HewasawardedtheMilitaryCrossforgallantrywhiletakingpartinsomeheavyfightingon1stOctober。Hewaskilledon4thNovember1918，whileendeavouringtogethismenacrosstheSambreCanal。
Amonthbeforehisdeathhewrotetohismother：\"Mynervesareinperfectorder。Icameoutagaininordertohelptheseboys；
directly，byleadingthemaswellasanofficercan；
indirectly，bywatchingtheirsufferingsthatImayspeakofthemaswellasapleadercan。\"Lethisownwordsbehisepitaph：——
~\"Couragewasmine，andIhadmystery；
Wisdomwasmine，andIhadmastery。\"~
SiegfriedSassoon。
POEMS
PrefaceThisbookisnotaboutheroes。EnglishPoetryisnotyetfittospeakofthem。Norisitaboutdeedsorlands，noranythingaboutglory，honour，dominionorpower，exceptWar。
Aboveall，thisbookisnotconcernedwithPoetry。
ThesubjectofitisWar，andthepityofWar。
ThePoetryisinthepity。
Yettheseelegiesarenottothisgeneration，Thisisinnosenseconsolatory。
Theymaybetothenext。
Allthepoetcandoto—dayistowarn。
ThatiswhythetruePoetsmustbetruthful。
IfIthoughttheletterofthisbookwouldlast，Imighthaveusedpropernames；butifthespiritofitsurvivesPrussia，——
myambitionandthosenameswillbecontent；fortheywillhaveachievedthemselvesfresherfieldsthanFlanders。
Note。——ThisPrefacewasfound，inanunfinishedcondition，amongWilfredOwen’spapers。
ContentsPrefaceStrangeMeetingGreaterLoveApologiaproPoemateMeoTheShowMentalCasesParableoftheOldMenandtheYoungArmsandtheBoyAnthemforDoomedYouthTheSend—offInsensibilityDulceetDecorumestTheSentryTheDead—BeatExposureSpringOffensiveTheChancesS。I。W。
FutilitySmile，Smile，SmileConsciousATerreWildwithallRegretsDisabledTheEnd
StrangeMeetingItseemedthatoutofthebattleIescapedDownsomeprofounddulltunnel，longsincescoopedThroughgraniteswhichTitanicwarshadgroined。
Yetalsothereencumberedsleepersgroaned，Toofastinthoughtordeathtobebestirred。
Then，asIprobedthem，onesprangup，andstaredWithpiteousrecognitioninfixedeyes，Liftingdistressfulhandsasiftobless。
Andbyhissmile，Iknewthatsullenhall；
Withathousandfearsthatvision’sfacewasgrained；
Yetnobloodreachedtherefromtheupperground，Andnogunsthumped，ordownthefluesmademoan。
\"Strange，friend，\"Isaid，\"Hereisnocausetomourn。\"
\"None，\"saidtheother，\"Savetheundoneyears，Thehopelessness。Whateverhopeisyours，Wasmylifealso；IwenthuntingwildAfterthewildestbeautyintheworld，Whichliesnotcalmineyes，orbraidedhair，Butmocksthesteadyrunningofthehour，Andifitgrieves，grievesrichlierthanhere。
Forbymygleemightmanymenhavelaughed，Andofmyweepingsomethinghasbeenleft，Whichmustdienow。Imeanthetruthuntold，Thepityofwar，thepitywardistilled。
Nowmenwillgocontentwithwhatwespoiled。
Or，discontent，boilbloody，andbespilled。
Theywillbeswiftwithswiftnessofthetigress，Nonewillbreakranks，thoughnationstrekfromprogress。
Couragewasmine，andIhadmystery；
Wisdomwasmine，andIhadmastery；
TomissthemarchofthisretreatingworldIntovaincitadelsthatarenotwalled。
Then，whenmuchbloodhadcloggedtheirchariot—wheelsIwouldgoupandwashthemfromsweetwells，Evenwithtruthsthatlietoodeepfortaint。
IwouldhavepouredmyspiritwithoutstintButnotthroughwounds；notonthecessofwar。
Foreheadsofmenhavebledwherenowoundswere。
Iamtheenemyyoukilled，myfriend。
Iknewyouinthisdark；forsoyoufrownedYesterdaythroughmeasyoujabbedandkilled。
Iparried；butmyhandswereloathandcold。
Letussleepnow……\"
（Thispoemwasfoundamongtheauthor’spapers。
Itendsonthisstrangenote。）
~AnotherVersion~
Earth’swheelsrunoiledwithblood。Forgetwethat。
Letusliedownanddigourselvesinthought。
Beautyisyoursandyouhavemastery，Wisdomismine，andIhavemystery。
Wetwowillstaybehindandkeepourtroth。
Letusforegomen’smindsthatarebrute’snatures，Letusnotsupthebloodwhichsomesaynurtures，Bewenotswiftwithswiftnessofthetigress。
Letusbreakranksfromthosewhotrekfromprogress。
MisswethemarchofthisretreatingworldIntooldcitadelsthatarenotwalled。
Letuslieoutandholdtheopentruth。
ThenwhentheirbloodhathcloggedthechariotwheelsWewillgoupandwashthemfromdeepwells。
WhatthoughwesinkfrommenaspitchersfallingManyshallraiseusuptobetheirfillingEvenfromwellswesunktoodeepforwarAndfilledbybrowsthatbledwherenowoundswere。
~Alternativeline——~
EvenasOnewhobledwherenowoundswere。
GreaterLoveRedlipsarenotsoredAsthestainedstoneskissedbytheEnglishdead。
KindnessofwooedandwooerSeemsshametotheirlovepure。
OLove，youreyesloselureWhenIbeholdeyesblindedinmystead！
YourslenderattitudeTremblesnotexquisitelikelimbsknife—skewed，RollingandrollingthereWhereGodseemsnottocare；
TillthefierceLovetheybearCrampsthemindeath’sextremedecrepitude。
Yourvoicesingsnotsosoft，——
Thoughevenaswindmurmuringthroughrafteredloft，——
Yourdearvoiceisnotdear，Gentle，andeveningclear，AstheirswhomnonenowhearNowearthhasstoppedtheirpiteousmouthsthatcoughed。
Heart，youwereneverhot，Norlarge，norfulllikeheartsmadegreatwithshot；
Andthoughyourhandbepale，PalerareallwhichtrailYourcrossthroughflameandhail：
Weep，youmayweep，foryoumaytouchthemnot。
ApologiaproPoemateMeoI，too，sawGodthroughmud——
Themudthatcrackedoncheekswhenwretchessmiled。
Warbroughtmoreglorytotheireyesthanblood，Andgavetheirlaughsmoregleethanshakesachild。
Merryitwastolaughthere——
Wheredeathbecomesabsurdandlifeabsurder。
ForpowerwasonusasweslashedbonesbareNottofeelsicknessorremorseofmurder。
I，too，havedroppedofffear——
Behindthebarrage，deadasmyplatoon，Andsailedmyspiritsurging，lightandclearPasttheentanglementwherehopeslaystrewn；
Andwitnessedexultation——
Facesthatusedtocurseme，scowlforscowl，Shineandliftupwithpassionofoblation，Seraphicforanhour；thoughtheywerefoul。
Ihavemadefellowships——
Untoldofhappyloversinoldsong。
ForloveisnotthebindingoffairlipsWiththesoftsilkofeyesthatlookandlong，ByJoy，whoseribbonslips，——
Butwoundwithwar’shardwirewhosestakesarestrong；
Boundwiththebandageofthearmthatdrips；
Knitintheweldingoftherifle—thong。
IhaveperceivedmuchbeautyInthehoarseoathsthatkeptourcouragestraight；
Heardmusicinthesilentnessofduty；
Foundpeacewhereshell—stormsspoutedreddestspate。
Nevertheless，exceptyoushareWiththeminhellthesorrowfuldarkofhell，Whoseworldisbutthetremblingofaflare，Andheavenbutasthehighwayforashell，Youshallnotheartheirmirth：
YoushallnotcometothinkthemwellcontentByanyjestofmine。ThesemenareworthYourtears：Youarenotworththeirmerriment。
~November~1917。
TheShowMysoullookeddownfromavagueheightwithDeath，AsunrememberinghowIroseorwhy，Andsawasadland，weakwithsweatsofdearth，Gray，crateredlikethemoonwithhollowwoe，Andfittedwithgreatpocksandscabsofplaques。
Acrossitsbeard，thathorrorofharshwire，Theremovedthincaterpillars，slowlyuncoiled。
ItseemedtheypushedthemselvestobeasplugsOfditches，wheretheywrithedandshrivelled，killed。
BythemhadslimypathsbeentrailedandscrapedRoundmyriadwartsthatmightbelittlehills。
Fromgloom’slastdregstheselong—strungcreaturescrept，Andvanishedoutofdawndownhiddenholes。
（AndsmellcameupfromthosefoulopeningsAsoutofmouths，ordeepwoundsdeepening。）
Onditheringfeetupgathered，moreandmore，Brownstringstowardsstringsofgray，withbristlingspines，Allmigrantsfromgreenfields，intentonmire。
Thosethatweregray，ofmoreabundantspawns，Rampedontherestandatethemandwereeaten。
Isawtheirbittenbackscurve，loop，andstraighten，Iwatchedthoseagoniescurl，lift，andflatten。
Whereat，interrorwhatthatsightmightmean，Ireeledandshiveredearthwardlikeafeather。
AndDeathfellwithme，likeadeepeningmoan。
AndHe，pickingamannerofworm，whichhalfhadhidItsbruisesintheearth，butcrawlednofurther，Showedmeitsfeet，thefeetofmanymen，Andthefresh—severedheadofit，myhead。
MentalCasesWhoarethese？Whysittheyhereintwilight？
Whereforerockthey，purgatorialshadows，Droopingtonguesfromjawsthatslobtheirrelish，Baringteeththatleerlikeskulls’tongueswicked？
Strokeonstrokeofpain，——butwhatslowpanic，Gougedthesechasmsroundtheirfrettedsockets？
EverfromtheirhairandthroughtheirhandpalmsMiseryswelters。SurelywehaveperishedSleeping，andwalkhell；butwhothesehellish？
——ThesearemenwhosemindstheDeadhaveravished。
Memoryfingersintheirhairofmurders，Multitudinousmurderstheyoncewitnessed。
Wadingsloughsoffleshthesehelplesswander，Treadingbloodfromlungsthathadlovedlaughter。
Alwaystheymustseethesethingsandhearthem，Batterofgunsandshatterofflyingmuscles，CarnageincomparableandhumansquanderRuckedtoothickforthesemen’sextrication。
ThereforestilltheireyeballsshrinktormentedBackintotheirbrains，becauseontheirsenseSunlightseemsabloodsmear；nightcomesblood—black；
Dawnbreaksopenlikeawoundthatbleedsafresh——Thustheirheadswearthishilarious，hideous，Awfulfalsenessofset—smilingcorpses。
——Thustheirhandsarepluckingateachother；
Pickingattherope—knoutsoftheirscourging；
Snatchingafteruswhosmotethem，brother，Pawinguswhodealtthemwarandmadness。
ParableoftheOldMenandtheYoungSoAbramrose，andclavethewood，andwent，Andtookthefirewithhim，andaknife。
Andastheysojournedbothofthemtogether，Isaacthefirst—bornspakeandsaid，MyFather，Beholdthepreparations，fireandiron，Butwherethelambforthisburnt—offering？
ThenAbramboundtheyouthwithbeltsandstraps，Andbuildedparapetsandtrenchesthere，Andstretch\\edforththeknifetoslayhisson。
Whenlo！anangelcalledhimoutofheaven，Saying，Laynotthyhanduponthelad，Neitherdoanythingtohim。Behold，Aramcaughtinathicketbyitshorns；
OffertheRamofPrideinsteadofhim。
Buttheoldmanwouldnotso，butslewhisson……
ArmsandtheBoyLettheboytryalongthisbayonet—bladeHowcoldsteelis，andkeenwithhungerofblood；
Bluewithallmalice，likeamadman’sflash；
Andthinlydrawnwithfamishingforflesh。
Lendhimtostroketheseblind，bluntbullet—headsWhichlongtomuzzleintheheartsoflads。
Orgivehimcartridgesoffinezincteeth，Sharpwiththesharpnessofgriefanddeath。
Forhisteethseemforlaughingroundanapple。
Therelurknoclawsbehindhisfingerssupple；
AndGodwillgrownotalonsathisheels，Norantlersthroughthethicknessofhiscurls。
AnthemforDoomedYouthWhatpassing—bellsforthesewhodieascattle？
Onlythemonstrousangeroftheguns。
Onlythestutteringrifles’rapidrattleCanpatterouttheirhastyorisons。
Nomockeriesforthem；noprayersnorbells，Noranyvoiceofmourningsavethechoirs，——
Theshrill，dementedchoirsofwailingshells；
Andbuglescallingforthemfromsadshires。
Whatcandlesmaybeheldtospeedthemall？
Notinthehandsofboys，butintheireyesShallshinetheholyglimmersofgoodbyes。
Thepallorofgirls’browsshallbetheirpall；
Theirflowersthetendernessofpatientminds，Andeachslowduskadrawing—downofblinds。
TheSend—offDowntheclose，darkeninglanestheysangtheirwayTothesiding—shed，Andlinedthetrainwithfacesgrimlygay。
TheirbreastswerestuckallwhitewithwreathandsprayAsmen’sare，dead。
Dullporterswatchedthem，andacasualtrampStoodstaringhard，Sorrytomissthemfromtheuplandcamp。
Then，unmoved，signalsnodded，andalampWinkedtotheguard。
Sosecretly，likewrongshushed—up，theywent。
Theywerenotours：
Weneverheardtowhichfronttheseweresent。
NorthereiftheyyetmockwhatwomenmeantWhogavethemflowers。
ShalltheyreturntobeatingsofgreatbellsInwildtrainloads？
Afew，afew，toofewfordrumsandyells，Maycreepback，silent，tostillvillagewellsUphalf—knownroads。
InsensibilityI
HappyaremenwhoyetbeforetheyarekilledCanlettheirveinsruncold。
WhomnocompassionfleersOrmakestheirfeetSoreonthealleyscobbledwiththeirbrothers。
Thefrontlinewithers，Buttheyaretroopswhofade，notflowersForpoets’tearfulfooling：
Men，gapsforfillingLosseswhomighthavefoughtLonger；butnoonebothers。
II
AndsomeceasefeelingEventhemselvesorforthemselves。
DullnessbestsolvesTheteaseanddoubtofshelling，AndChance’sstrangearithmeticComessimplerthanthereckoningoftheirshilling。
TheykeepnocheckonArmies’decimation。
III
Happyarethesewholoseimagination：
Theyhaveenoughtocarrywithammunition。
Theirspiritdragsnopack。
Theiroldwoundssavewithcoldcannotmoreache。
Havingseenallthingsred，TheireyesareridOfthehurtofthecolourofbloodforever。
Andterror’sfirstconstrictionover，Theirheartsremainsmalldrawn。
TheirsensesinsomescorchingcauteryofbattleNowlongsinceironed，Canlaughamongthedying，unconcerned。
IV
Happythesoldierhome，withnotanotionHowsomewhere，everydawn，somemenattack，Andmanysighsaredrained。
Happytheladwhosemindwasnevertrained：
Hisdaysareworthforgettingmorethannot。
HesingsalongthemarchWhichwemarchtaciturn，becauseofdusk，Thelong，forlorn，relentlesstrendFromlargerdaytohugernight。
V
Wewise，whowithathoughtbesmirchBloodoveralloursoul，HowshouldweseeourtaskButthroughhisbluntandlashlesseyes？
Alive，heisnotvitalovermuch；
Dying，notmortalovermuch；
Norsad，norproud，Norcuriousatall。
HecannottellOldmen’splacidityfromhis。
VI
Butcursedaredullardswhomnocannonstuns，Thattheyshouldbeasstones。
Wretchedarethey，andmeanWithpaucitythatneverwassimplicity。
BychoicetheymadethemselvesimmuneTopityandwhatevermournsinmanBeforethelastseaandthehaplessstars；
Whatevermournswhenmanyleavetheseshores；
WhateversharesTheeternalreciprocityoftears。
DulceetDecorumestBentdouble，likeoldbeggarsundersacks，Knock—kneed，coughinglikehags，wecursedthroughsludge，Tillonthehauntingflaresweturnedourbacks，Andtowardsourdistantrestbegantotrudge。
Menmarchedasleep。Manyhadlosttheirboots，Butlimpedon，blood—shod。Allwentlame，allblind；
Drunkwithfatigue；deafeventothehootsOfgas—shellsdroppingsoftlybehind。
Gas！GAS！Quick，boys！——AnecstasyoffumblingFittingtheclumsyhelmetsjustintime，ButsomeonestillwasyellingoutandstumblingAndflound’ringlikeamaninfireorlime。——
Dimthroughthemistypanesandthickgreenlight，Asunderagreensea，Isawhimdrowning。
InallmydreamsbeforemyhelplesssightHeplungesatme，guttering，choking，drowning。
Ifinsomesmotheringdreams，youtoocouldpaceBehindthewagonthatweflunghimin，Andwatchthewhiteeyeswrithinginhisface，Hishangingface，likeadevil’ssickofsin，Ifyoucouldhear，ateveryjolt，thebloodComegarglingfromthefroth—corruptedlungsBitterasthecudOfvile，incurablesoresoninnocenttongues，——
Myfriend，youwouldnottellwithsuchhighzestTochildrenardentforsomedesperateglory，TheoldLie：~DulceetdecorumestPropatriamori~。
TheSentryWe’dfoundanoldBochedug—out，andheknew，Andgaveushell，forshellonfranticshellHammeredontop，butneverquiteburstthrough。
Rain，gutteringdowninwaterfallsofslimeKeptslushwaisthigh，thatrisinghourbyhour，Chokedupthestepstoothickwithclaytoclimb。
Whatmurkofairremainedstankold，andsourWithfumesofwhizz—bangs，andthesmellofmenWho’dlivedthereyears，andlefttheircurseintheden，Ifnottheircorpses……
ThereweherdedfromtheblastOfwhizz—bangs，butonefoundourdooratlast。
Buffetingeyesandbreath，snuffingthecandles。
Andthud！flump！thud！downthesteepstepscamethumpingAndsplashingintheflood，delugingmuck——
Thesentry’sbody；thenhisrifle，handlesOfoldBochebombs，andmudinruckonruck。
Wedredgedhimup，forkilled，untilhewhined\"Osir，myeyes——I’mblind——I’mblind，I’mblind！\"
Coaxing，IheldaflameagainsthislidsAndsaidifhecouldseetheleastblurredlightHewasnotblind；intimehe’dgetallright。
\"Ican’t，\"hesobbed。Eyeballs，huge—bulgedlikesquidsWatchmydreamsstill；butIforgothimthereInpostingnextforduty，andsendingascoutTobegastretchersomewhere，andflounderingaboutTootherpostsundertheshriekingair。
Thoseotherwretches，howtheybledandspewed，Andonewhowouldhavedrownedhimselfforgood，——
Itrynottorememberthesethingsnow。
Letdreadharkbackforonewordonly：howHalf—listeningtothatsentry’smoansandjumps，Andthewildchatteringofhisbrokenteeth，RenewedmosthorriblywhenevercrumpsPummelledtheroofandsloggedtheairbeneath——
Throughthedensedin，Isay，weheardhimshout\"Iseeyourlights！\"Butourshadlongdiedout。
TheDead—BeatHedropped，——moresullenlythanwearily，Laystupidlikeacod，heavylikemeat，Andnoneofuscouldkickhimtohisfeet；
Justblinkedatmyrevolver，blearily；
——Didn’tappeartoknowawarwason，Orseetheblastedtrenchatwhichhestared。
\"I’lldo’emin，\"hewhined，\"Ifthishand’sspared，I’llmurderthem，Iwill。\"
Alowvoicesaid，\"It’sBlighty，p’raps，hesees；hispluck’sallgone，Dreamingofallthevaliant，that~aren’t~dead：
Bolduncles，smilingministerially；
Maybehisbraveyoungwife，gettingherfunInsomenewhome，improvedmaterially。
It’snotthesestiffshavecrazedhim；northeHun。\"
Wesenthimdownatlast，outoftheway。
Unwounded；——stoutlad，too，beforethatstrafe。
Malingering？Stretcher—bearerswinked，\"Nothalf！\"
NextdayIheardtheDoc。’swell—whiskiedlaugh：
\"Thatscumyousentlastnightsoondied。Hooray！\"
ExposureI
Ourbrainsache，inthemercilessicedeastwindsthatknifeus……
Weariedwekeepawakebecausethenightissilent……
Lowdroopingflaresconfuseourmemoryofthesalient……
Worriedbysilence，sentrieswhisper，curious，nervous，Butnothinghappens。
Watching，wehearthemadguststuggingonthewire。
Liketwitchingagoniesofmenamongitsbrambles。
Northwardincessantly，theflickeringgunneryrumbles，Faroff，likeadullrumourofsomeotherwar。
Whatarewedoinghere？
Thepoignantmiseryofdawnbeginstogrow……
Weonlyknowwarlasts，rainsoaks，andcloudssagstormy。
DawnmassingintheeasthermelancholyarmyAttacksoncemoreinranksonshiveringranksofgray，Butnothinghappens。
Suddensuccessiveflightsofbulletsstreakthesilence。
Lessdeadlythantheairthatshuddersblackwithsnow，Withsidelongflowingflakesthatflock，pauseandrenew，Wewatchthemwanderingupanddownthewind’snonchalance，Butnothinghappens。
II
Paleflakeswithlingeringstealthcomefeelingforourfaces——
Wecringeinholes，backonforgottendreams，andstare，snow—dazed，Deepintograssierditches。Sowedrowse，sun—dozed，Litteredwithblossomstricklingwheretheblackbirdfusses。
Isitthatwearedying？
Slowlyourghostsdraghome：glimpsingthesunkfiresglozedWithcrusteddark—redjewels；cricketsjinglethere；
Forhourstheinnocentmicerejoice：thehouseistheirs；
Shuttersanddoorsallclosed：onusthedoorsareclosed——
Weturnbacktoourdying。
Sincewebelievenototherwisecankindfiresburn；
Noweversunssmiletrueonchild，orfield，orfruit。
ForGod’sinvinciblespringourloveismadeafraid；
Therefore，notloath，welieouthere；thereforewereborn，ForloveofGodseemsdying。
To—night，Hisfrostwillfastenonthismudandus，Shrivellingmanyhandsandpuckeringforeheadscrisp。
Theburying—party，picksandshovelsintheirshakinggrasp，Pauseoverhalf—knownfaces。Alltheireyesareice，Butnothinghappens。
SpringOffensiveHaltedagainsttheshadeofalasthill，Theyfed，and，lyingeasy，wereateaseAnd，findingcomfortablechestsandkneesCarelesslyslept。ButmanytherestoodstillTofacethestark，blankskybeyondtheridge，Knowingtheirfeethadcometotheendoftheworld。
Marvellingtheystood，andwatchedthelonggrassswirledBytheMaybreeze，murmurouswithwaspandmidge，ForthoughthesummeroozedintotheirveinsLiketheinjecteddrugfortheirbones’pains，Sharpontheirsoulshungtheimminentlineofgrass，Fearfullyflashedthesky’smysteriousglass。
Hourafterhourtheyponderthewarmfield——
Andthefarvalleybehind，wherethebuttercupsHadblessedwithgoldtheirslowbootscomingup，Whereeventhelittlebrambleswouldnotyield，Butclutchedandclungtothemlikesorrowinghands；
Theybreatheliketreesunstirred。
TilllikeacoldgustthrilledthelittlewordAtwhicheachbodyanditssoulbegirdAndtightenthemforbattle。NoalarmsOfbugles，nohighflags，noclamoroushaste——
OnlyaliftandflareofeyesthatfacedThesun，likeafriendwithwhomtheirloveisdone。
Olargershonethatsmileagainstthesun，——
Mightierthanhiswhosebountythesehavespurned。
So，soontheytoppedthehill，andracedtogetherOveranopenstretchofherbandheatherExposed。AndinstantlythewholeskyburnedWithfuryagainstthem；andsoftsuddencupsOpenedinthousandsfortheirblood；andthegreenslopesChasmedandsteepenedsheertoinfinitespace。
OfthemwhorunningonthatlasthighplaceLeapttoswiftunseenbullets，orwentupOnthehotblastandfuryofhell’supsurge，Orplungedandfellawaypastthisworld’sverge，SomesayGodcaughtthemevenbeforetheyfell。
Butwhatsaysuchasfromexistence’brinkVenturedbutdravetooswifttosink。
Thefewwhorushedinthebodytoenterhell，Andthereout—fiendingallitsfiendsandflamesWithsuperhumaninhumanities，Long—famousglories，immemorialshames——
Andcrawlingslowlyback，havebydegreesRegainedcoolpeacefulairinwonder——
Whyspeaktheynotofcomradesthatwentunder？
TheChancesImindas’owthenightaforethatshowUsfivegottalking，——wewasintheknow，\"Overthetopto—morrer；boys，we’reforit，Firstwaveweare，firstruddywave；that’storeit。\"
\"Ahwell，\"saysJimmy，——an’’e’sseensomescrappin’——
\"Thereain’tmorenorfivethingsascan’appen；
Yegetknockedout；elsewounded——badorcushy；
Scuppered；ornowtexceptyerfeelingmushy。\"
Oneofusgottheknock—out，blowntochops。
T’otherwashurt，like，losin’both’isprops。
An’one，tousethewordof’ypocrites，’AdthemisfortoontobetookbyFritz。
Nowme，Iwasn’tscratched，praiseGodAlmighty（ThoughnexttimepleaseI’llthank’imforablighty），ButpooryoungJim，’e’slivin’an’’e’snot；
’Ereckoned’e’dfivechances，an’’e’s’ad；
’E’swounded，killed，andpris’ner，allthelot——
Theruddylotallrolledinone。Jim’smad。
S。I。W。
\"IwilltotheKing，Andofferhimconsolationinhistrouble，Forthatmantherehassethisteethtodie，Andbeingonethathatesobedience，Discipline，andorderlinessoflife，Icannotmournhim。\"
W。B。Yeats。
Pattinggoodbye，doubtlesstheytoldtheladHe’dalwaysshowtheHunabraveman’sface；
Fatherwouldsoonerhimdeadthanindisgrace，——
Wasproudtoseehimgoing，aye，andglad。
PerhapshisMotherwhimperedhowshe’dfretUntilhegotanice，safewoundtonurse。
Sisterswouldwishgirlstoocouldshoot，charge，curse，……
Brothers——wouldsendhisfavouritecigarette，Eachweek，monthaftermonth，theywrotethesame，ThinkinghimshelteredinsomeY。M。Hut，WhereonceanhourabulletmisseditsaimAndmissesteasedthehungerofhisbrain。
Hiseyesgrewoldwithwincing，andhishandRecklesswithague。Courageleaked，assandFromthebestsandbagsafteryearsofrain。
Butneverleave，wound，fever，trench—foot，shock，Untrappedthewretch。AnddeathseemedstillwithheldFortortureoflyingmachinallyshelled，Atthepleasureofthisworld’sPowerswho’drunamok。
He’dseenmenshoottheirhands，onnightpatrol，Theirpeopleneverknew。Yettheywerevile。
\"Deathsoonerthandishonour，that’sthestyle！\"
SoFathersaid。
Onedawn，ourwirepatrolCarriedhim。Thistime，Deathhadnotmissed。
Wecoulddonothing，butwipehisbleedingcough。
Coulditbeaccident？——Riflesgooff……
Notsniped？No。（LatertheyfoundtheEnglishball。）
Itwasthereasonedcrisisofhissoul。
AgainstthefiresthatwouldnotburnhimwholeButkepthimfordeath’sperjuryandscoffAndlife’shalf—promising，andboththeirriling。
Withhimtheyburiedthemuzzlehisteethhadkissed，AndtruthfullywrotetheMother\"Timdiedsmiling。\"
FutilityMovehimintothesun——
Gentlyitstouchawokehimonce，Athome，whisperingoffieldsunsown。
Alwaysitwokehim，eveninFrance，Untilthismorningandthissnow。
IfanythingmightrousehimnowThekindoldsunwillknow。
Thinkhowitwakestheseeds——
Woke，once，theclaysofacoldstar。
Arelimbssodear—achieved，aresidesFull—nerved，——stillwarm，——toohardtostir？
Wasitforthistheclaygrewtall？
——OwhatmadefatuoussunbeamstoilTobreakearth’ssleepatall？
Smile，Smile，SmileHeadtolimphead，thesunk—eyedwoundedscannedYesterday’sMail；thecasualties（typedsmall）
And（large）VastBootyfromourLatestHaul。
Also，theyreadofCheapHomes，notyetplanned；
For，saidthepaper，\"WhenthiswarisdoneThemen’sfirstinstinctwillbemakinghomes。
Meanwhiletheirforemostneedisaerodromes，Itbeingcertainwarhasjustbegun。
Peacewoulddowrongtoourundyingdead，——
ThesonsweofferedmightregrettheydiedIfwegotnothinglastingintheirstead。
Wemustbesolidlyindemnified。
ThoughallbeworthyVictorywhichallbought，WerulerssittinginthisancientspotWouldwrongourveryselvesifweforgotThegreatestglorywillbetheirswhofought，Whokeptthisnationinintegrity。\"
Nation？——Thehalf—limbedreadersdidnotchafeButsmiledatoneanothercuriouslyLikesecretmenwhoknowtheirsecretsafe。
Thisisthethingtheyknowandneverspeak，ThatEnglandonebyonehadfledtoFrance（NotmanyelsewherenowsaveunderFrance）。
Picturesofthesebroadsmilesappeareachweek，AndpeopleinwhosevoicerealfeelingringsSay：Howtheysmile！They’rehappynow，poorthings。
~23rdSeptember~1918。
ConsciousHisfingerswake，andflutterupthebed。
Hiseyescomeopenwithapullofwill，Helpedbytheyellowmay—flowersbyhishead。
Ablind—corddrawlsacrossthewindow—sill……
Howsmooththefloorofthewardis！whatarug！
Andwho’sthattalking，somewhereoutofsight？
Whyaretheylaughing？What’sinsidethatjug？
\"Nurse！Doctor！\"\"Yes；allright，allright。\"
Butsuddenduskbewildersalltheair——
Thereseemsnotimetowantadrinkofwater。
Nurselookssofaraway。AndeverywhereMusicandrosesburntthroughcrimsonslaughter。
Cold；cold；he’scold；andyetsohot：
Andthere’snolighttoseethevoicesby——
Notimetodream，andask——heknowsnotwhat。
ATerre（~BeingthephilosophyofmanySoldiers。~）
Sitonthebed；I’mblind，andthreepartsshell，Becareful；can’tshakehandsnow；nevershall。
Botharmshavemutiniedagainstme——brutes。
Myfingersfidgetliketenidlebrats。
Itriedtopegoutsoldierly——nouse！
Onediesofwarlikeanyolddisease。
Thisbandagefeelslikepenniesonmyeyes。
Ihavemymedals？——Discstomakeeyesclose。
Mygloriousribbons？——RippedfrommyownbackInscarletshreds。（That’sforyourpoetrybook。）
Ashortlifeandamerryone，mybrick！
Weusedtosaywe’dhatetolivedeadold，——
Yetnow……I’dwillinglybepuffy，bald，Andpatriotic。BufferscatchfromboysAtleastthejokeshurledatthem。IsupposeLittleI’deverteachason，buthitting，Shooting，war，hunting，alltheartsofhurting。
Well，that’swhatIlearnt，——that，andmakingmoney。
Yourfiftyyearsaheadseemnonetoomany？
TellmehowlongI’vegot？God！ForoneyearTohelpmyselftonothingmorethanair！
OneSpring！Isonetoogoodtospare，toolong？
Springwindwouldworkitsownwaytomylung，Andgrowmelegsasquickaslilac—shoots。
Myservant’slamed，butlistenhowheshouts！
WhenI’mluggedout，he’llstillbegoodforthat。
Hereinthismummy—case，youknow，I’vethoughtHowwellImighthaveswepthisfloorsforever，I’dasknonightoffwhenthebustle’sover，Enjoyingsothedirt。Who’sprejudicedAgainstagrimedhandwhenhisown’squitedust，Lesslivethanspecksthatinthesun—shaftsturn，Lesswarmthandustthatmixeswitharms’tan？
I’dlovetobeasweep，now，blackasTown，Yes，oramuckman。MustIbehisload？
OLife，Life，letmebreathe，——adug—outrat！
Notworsethanourstheexistencesratslead——
Nosingalongatnightdownsomesafevat，Theyfindashell—proofhomebeforetheyrot。
Deadmenmayenvylivingmitesincheese，Orgoodgermseven。Microbeshavetheirjoys，Andsubdivide，andnevercometodeath，Certainlyflowershavetheeasiesttimeonearth。
\"Ishallbeonewithnature，herb，andstone。\"
Shelleywouldtellme。Shelleywouldbestunned；
ThedullestTommyhugsthatfancynow。
\"Pushingupdaisies，\"istheircreed，youknow。
Tograin，then，gomyfat，tobudsmysap，Foralltheusefulnessthereisinsoap。
D’youthinktheBochewilleverstewman—soup？
Someday，nodoubt，if……
Friend，beverysureIshallbebetteroffwithplantsthatshareMorepeaceablythemeadowandtheshower。
Softrainswilltouchme，——astheycouldtouchonce，Andnothingbutthesunshallmakemeware。
Yourgunsmaycrasharoundme。I’llnothear；
Or，ifIwince，IshallnotknowIwince。
Don’ttakemysoul’spoorcomfortforyourjest。
Soldiersmaygrowasoulwhenturnedtofronds，Butherethething’sbestleftathomewithfriends。
Mysoul’salittlegrief，grapplingyourchest，Toclimbyourthroatonsobs；easilychasedOnothersighsandwipedbyfresherwinds。
Carrymycryingspirittillit’sweanedTodowithoutwhatbloodremainedthesewounds。
WildwithallRegrets（Anotherversionof\"ATerre\"。）
ToSiegfriedSassoonMyarmshavemutiniedagainstme——brutes！
Myfingersfidgetliketenidlebrats，Myback’sbeenstiffforhours，damnedhours。
DeathnevergiveshissquadaStand—at—ease。
Ican’tread。There：it’snouse。Takeyourbook。
Ashortlifeandamerryone，mybuck！
Wesaidwe’dhatetogrowdeadold。Butnow，Nottoliveoldseemsawful：nottorenewMyboyhoodwithmyboys，andteach’emhitting，Shootingandhunting，——alltheartsofhurting！
——Well，that’swhatIlearnt。That，andmakingmoney。
Yourfiftyyearsinstoreseemnonetoomany；
ButI’vefiveminutes。God！ForjusttwoyearsTohelpmyselftothisgoodairofyours！
OneSpring！Isonetoohardtospare？Toolong？
Springairwouldfinditsownwaytomylung，Andgrowmelegsasquickaslilac—shoots。
Yes，there’stheorderly。He’llchangethesheetsWhenI’mluggedout，oh，couldn’tIdothat？
Hereinthiscoffinofabed，I’vethoughtI’dliketokneelandsweephisfloorsforever，——
Andasknonightsoffwhenthebustle’sover，ForI’denjoythedirt；who’sprejudicedAgainstagrimedhandwhenhisown’squitedust，——
Lesslivethanspecksthatinthesun—shaftsturn？
Deardust，——inrooms，onroads，onfaces’tan！
I’dlovetobeasweep’sboy，blackasTown；
Yes，oramuckman。MustIbehisload？
Afleawoulddo。Ifonechapwasn’tbloody，Orwentstone—cold，I’dfindanotherbody。
WhichIshan’tmanagenow。Unlessit’syours。
Ishallstayinyou，friend，forsomefewhours。
You’llfeelmyheavyspiritchillyourchest，Andclimbyourthroatonsobs，untilit’schasedOnsighs，andwipedfromoffyourlipsbywind。
Ithinkonyourrichbreathing，brother，I’llbeweanedTodowithoutwhatbloodremainedmefrommywound。
~5thDecember~1917。
DisabledHesatinawheeledchair，waitingfordark，Andshiveredinhisghastlysuitofgrey，Legless，sewnshortatelbow。ThroughtheparkVoicesofboysrangsaddeninglikeahymn，Voicesofplayandpleasureafterday，Tillgatheringsleephadmotheredthemfromhim。
AboutthistimeTownusedtoswingsogayWhenglow—lampsbuddedinthelight—bluetreesAndgirlsglancedlovelierastheairgrewdim，——Intheoldtimes，beforehethrewawayhisknees。
NowhewillneverfeelagainhowslimGirls’waistsare，orhowwarmtheirsubtlehands，Allofthemtouchhimlikesomequeerdisease。
Therewasanartistsillyforhisface，Foritwasyoungerthanhisyouth，lastyear。
Nowheisold；hisbackwillneverbrace；
He’slosthiscolourveryfarfromhere，Poureditdownshell—holestilltheveinsrandry，Andhalfhislifetimelapsedinthehotrace，Andleapofpurplespurtedfromhisthigh。
Onetimehelikedabloodsmeardownhisleg，Afterthematchescarriedshoulder—high。
Itwasafterfootball，whenhe’ddrunkapeg，Hethoughthe’dbetterjoin。Hewonderswhy……
Someonehadsaidhe’dlookagodinkilts。
That’swhy；andmaybe，too，topleasehisMeg，Aye，thatwasit，topleasethegiddyjilts，Heaskedtojoin。Hedidn’thavetobeg；
Smilingtheywrotehislie；agednineteenyears。
Germanshescarcelythoughtof；andnofearsOfFearcameyet。HethoughtofjewelledhiltsFordaggersinplaidsocks；ofsmartsalutes；
Andcareofarms；andleave；andpayarrears；
Espritdecorps；andhintsforyoungrecruits。
Andsoon，hewasdraftedoutwithdrumsandcheers。
Somecheeredhimhome，butnotascrowdscheerGoal。
OnlyasolemnmanwhobroughthimfruitsThankedhim；andtheninquiredabouthissoul。
Now，hewillspendafewsickyearsinInstitutes，Anddowhatthingstherulesconsiderwise，Andtakewhateverpitytheymaydole。
To—nighthenoticedhowthewomen’seyesPassedfromhimtothestrongmenthatwerewhole。
Howcoldandlateitis！Whydon’ttheycomeAndputhimintobed？Whydon’ttheycome？
TheEndAftertheblastoflightningfromtheeast，Theflourishofloudclouds，theChariotthrone，AfterthedrumsoftimehaverolledandceasedAndfromthebronzewestlongretreatisblown，ShallLiferenewthesebodies？OfatruthAlldeathwillheannul，alltearsassuage？
OrfillthesevoidveinsfullagainwithyouthAndwashwithanimmortalwaterage？
WhenIdoaskwhiteAge，hesaithnotso，——
\"Myheadhangsweighedwithsnow。\"
AndwhenIhearkentotheEarthshesaithMyfieryheartsinksaching。Itisdeath。
MineancientscarsshallnotbeglorifiedNormytitanictearstheseasbedried。\"
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